5 Ways to Make Language Learning Fun

It’s tough to learn another language and often it is a chore to learn the grammar, the different sentence structures and the new lexicon.

You can be creative when you truly want to learn a language to overcome the challenges learning a language presents. The Internet is also a big help. To be a more effective learner, the language you chose should give you satisfaction, happiness and the enthusiasm to keep on learning.

Here are some of the top ways to be creative in your approach to language learning and add more fun to it while enhancing your language skills.

1. Play Scrabble

Yes, play Scrabble, with a twist. Try playing it in the language you are learning. You can play alone or with a friend who speaks the language. At first you can use a dictionary to help you along. Later, you should do away with the dictionary and challenge yourself to come up with the foreign words on your own. You’ll learn the correct spelling as well as the meanings, which is beneficial to you.

2. Read recipes in the foreign language

Another way is to look for recipes in the foreign language. Even if you do not know how to cook, it’s another way to learn the local variations of the language that can help your reading skills in the same way that you try to read a book.

Food is a good motivator and you do not have to spend a thing to find recipes in other languages online. If you love food or you love to eat (at least), then you’ll find the motivation to understand the ingredients in another language. More often than not, recipes relatively use simple language.

3. Watch movies and dramas in the new language

You’ll find so many movies and dramas with subtitles in other languages online. Some of them are professionally done while others are subbed by fans and other subbing groups who do it for fun. It might take some getting used to initially as you have to watch the video while reading the subtitles.

Later, you’ll have the knack for it, since you’ll be able to pick up most of the words and quickly understand parts of the dialogue. The repetitive use of the words helps in committing them to memory. You can also try to turn off the subtitles so you can practice your listening skills. It will help in comprehending the language in its local, not formal usage. You’ll be able to pick up and learn to use local idioms and jargon, as well.

If you’re watching movies or dramas on YouTube and other video streaming sites, you can click the CC (closed captions) button to turn off the subtitles. Another thing you’ll definitely acquire is an appreciation for foreign dramas and movies.

Adjust the speed of the playback so you can understand the dialogue and make the pause and back buttons your friends for the meantime. If you find it difficult to understand what’s being said, turn the English subtitles on.

4. Read in the language you’re learning

Even if you do not understand most of the words, you can always use a dictionary. You’ll be exposed to many words and learn how they are used in different contexts. It can be a real challenge but it is fun. Soon you’ll be able to pick up common words. Many experts say that you can start by reading poems since these are shorter and the use of the words is on point.

If you are a beginner, try to read children’s books so you can start with basic words and phrases before moving on to more difficult words and sentence structures. You may be able to find a book in the new language that comes with a separate section for its translation. It’s similar to those crossword puzzle books that provide the answers at the back pages. Just try not to cheat by looking at the translation all the time.

5. Play trivia game in the foreign language

This is a great way to learn when you have friends who speak the language of your choice. For a beginner, look for trivia games for children so it would be easier. You’ll be able to learn new words quickly, practice your speaking skills while reading the questions aloud and boost your listening and comprehension.

You’ll be able to learn many things about the country as well. Learning the culture of the country where the language you’re learning is spoken, helps you to appreciate the language more.

These are just five of the many tips to making learning a language fun. You can aim to learn a new word or sentence each day and use it as often as you can until you are able to memorize it. Using flash cards is a good way as well, as you have a record of what you’ve learned. If you’re more adventuresome, you can switch your phone’s language settings into the one you are learning. Listening to music in your target language is another fun way to help you. Another thing to try is joining language forums. With the availability of forums online, you can access the forums anytime and anywhere.