Oftentimes, having fun and learning are not usually associated together, let alone in one sentence. However, in this digital era, there are so many ways in which you can learn a new language whilst having fun. This makes the whole learning process exciting and less boring. It is also important to have fun while learning because it is less stressful, makes the learning process faster, keeps you motivated, and cuts down intense study time. Having fun while learning makes most learners retain information better. Below are some great tips for how you can make your learning fun:
- Watch movies/videos in the desired language
Movies are not only entertaining but a great tool that learners can use to learn a new language. The first step to reaching your linguistic goals is by choosing the right movies or series. Remember, not all movies are beneficial or will help you meet your learning goals. Whether you are watching movies on television, YouTube or other movie sites, the first step you can take is by watching the movie in the desired language with subtitles that are in a language you understand very well. By doing so, you can understand better what is being said and pick up jargons and idioms used as well. Movies help improve both listening and speaking skills. Pronunciation, accent, and intonation are most likely to improve because of movies. Once you start to understand the language better, you can then move to the next step which is to remove subtitles. Children’s movies have an easier vocabulary, and it is advisable to watch those as well.
- Listen to music / podcasts
Music does not only make us feel good or evoke certain emotions in us, but it is a great way to learn as well. How cool is that! Studies have shown that you can pick up linguistic information every time you listen to a song that is in another language. The more you listen to a song, the more you capture words, phrases, and sentences. The urge to repeat the song is beneficial in that you perfect your pronunciation skills especially when you are singing along. If for example you are learning German, listen to German music more, you will not only learn how to pronounce words, but you will be able to capture how Germans express themselves and learn their culture too. Likewise, listening to a podcast in a foreign language propels you to fluency because you also learn new words and improve your listening skills since you have to pay attention to what is being said.
- Turn your everyday activities into a learning opportunity
Sometimes we get so busy that there can be little or no time at all to study and learn a new language. Most learners end up resorting to cramming information, which is a short-term solution. However, you can turn your everyday activities into a learning opportunity. For example, if you enjoy cooking, you can get recipe books in the new language you intend to learn. By doing so, you will be able to learn the names of the basic commodities you use every day in that new language and at the same time enjoy a wonderful meal. For some, cooking is not the most interesting thing to do, hence you can substitute a recipe book for a novel, a magazine of choice, or a blog post.
- Play Games
You can benefit from your playtime or free time by playing games and participating in recreational activities. Playing games such as word games is an effective way to develop language and communication skills. This is such a smart way to have fun while learning. You can also reduce tension while learning because if you fail to get a word right, you can laugh it off and try again. You can play games with friends who share the same language goals as you or those who already speak the language fluently.
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