Comedy is no one’s first guess when looking for a place to foster learning. A place to laugh at degrading jokes – yes – but a place to learn, not so much. A hidden benefit of English-speaking comedy clubs across Europe is the unique ability to engage in language immersion. Where else are you going to learn the c-word is an offensive term in America, but endearing in Australia? Surely, Americans have no idea. Europe is distinctive in the way that it is a melting pot of cultures, people, traditions, and, of course, languages. Expats, tourists, and locals alike may appear increasingly different, but they share a common language, and that language, ladies and gentlemen, is laughter. Comedy provides a place to come together and understand each other, whereas in other circumstances you might never.
English-speaking show offerings in Europe serve many purposes that do not meet the naked eye. Language retention is a difficult skill to master. Many locals living in Europe are interested in being multilingual, but may not always have the opportunity to engage with their non-native language. The English comedy space provides a unique and interactive way to practice English. Hitting the books or downloading Duolingo can only do so much; an integral aspect of fluency is consistent immersion within the language itself. How else are you going to learn the tons of ways Americans use to describe the word “vagina”? I mean va-jay-jay and hoo-ha aren’t exactly going to be in your English For Dummies textbook. Steady attendance within an immersive language environment can be the perfect solution for language attrition. Better than plain memorization, seeing a comedy show in a language you desire to be fluent in gives a more interactive experience for understanding.
The traditional ways to learn languages are beneficial, but an important aspect of learning is also understanding cultural contexts. Exclusively academic settings can be considered gateways into the understanding of the inner workings of a language and its culture. But, to get an in-depth understanding of a language, you have to be in the social settings where people are speaking it, and comedy shows can teach us the things that really matter, like how to crack the perfect d*** joke. English-speaking comedy shows in Europe provide exactly that — a way to gain insight into the mannerisms and use of the English language.
Our comedians come from all walks of life, and by that, we mean the walk of shame they took this morning after getting absolutely hammered last night. But seriously, you might think you know everything about English speakers and their culture from watching Love Island or The Bachelor, but have you ever wondered what they think about you and your culture? There’s only one way to find out. Watch comedy, share a laugh with a stranger, and get a cultural exchange that’ll teach you not only about the English language, but also about yourself.
