Level Up Your Language Skills: How Games Can Boost Language Learning

Written by Ivo Teel — July 4, 2023 at 07:37

Playing video games is primarily associated with having fun and spending your leisure time doing something exciting and challenging. While this is the primary purpose of video games, there are numerous hidden or just less obvious ones that we’re often not aware of. Negative influences are also commonly brought up as a subject, especially for young people who overdo it.

But, there are numerous positive effects of playing video games. Boosting your language skills is one of them. If you're not sure how video games can help you speak a new language better, we're here to break it down.

source: Pexels 

Discovering Languages

According to statistics, 76% of Americans under 18 and 67% of adults play games regularly. If these people knew they could use games to learn a new language, the number of bilingual Americans would skyrocket.

Most people today are aware that speaking more than one language is an advantage. But, the lack of exposure to different languages prevents them from developing any kind of interest in learning one. 

Luckily, video games are made in all kinds of languages and create opportunities for discovering them in a fun and stressless manner. People playing games can hear a language for the first time and maybe like the sound of it. Or, it could develop some kind of interest in the culture behind the language.

The point is video games are great for discovering languages and inspiring people to start learning. And, if you ever need translation while you're still learning, The Word Point should be your go-to resource. 

Boosting Vocabulary

When it comes to language learning, boosting your vocabulary is the primary means of improving your language skills. Learning and adopting new words is a necessity, and the best way to do it is through everyday communication.

Learning from books and class materials is useful as well, but having a chance to use the new words in real-life situations is always better.

Playing a video game that’s not in your native language will help you learn new words. Here’s how:

• constant exposure to new words

• repetition of the same words

• understanding through context 

This vocabulary boost will come naturally without you even knowing that you've learned something new.

Listening

Listening skills are also important for all language learners. Being able to comprehend what others are saying, harvest and process the information is something that takes practice.

Many video games include a lot of dialogue or narration that comes as great practice for your listening skills. The more you listen, the more confident you'll feel about using the language yourself.

Practicing Communication

One of the main problems with language learning is not having enough opportunities to practice the language. It’s one thing to use it in isolated situations in the classroom and a whole other thing to speak it actively in uncontrolled situations.

Many video games include live chat options in which players can strategize, exchange ideas, or simply chat. Also, there are a number of social media groups and forums where gamers can gather around a topic and discuss it.

All of this helps you practice your language skills and take an active part in communication in the second language you're learning.

Immersion

Finally, immersive language learning is the ultimate way to use all your capacities and improve your language skills. Immersive learning implies being an active part of the world in which the language is used, listening, speaking, writing, and using it to communicate spontaneously.

Most people who prefer immersive studying do it through traveling or student exchange programs. But video games can create immersive digital worlds that you can be a member of as well.

This is because most video games imply:

• playing different characters

• writing to other players

• having voice or video calls with other players

• following the narrative

• responding to the events

There are even profession-specific games that can teach you the vocabulary you need for working abroad. For instance, there are healthcare-themed video games that follow the journeys of doctors, nurses, and surgeons and are packed with language-learning opportunities. There's also a nursing essay writing service in case you need help while you’re still working on your language skills.

Final Thoughts

Leveling up your language skills requires some creativity and innovation. It's not enough for you to just pay attention in a language class and do the assignments you're given. You also have to try and find other ways to use and nurture your language skills.

Hopefully, we've shown you just how useful video games can be in the domain of language learning. From acquiring new vocabulary to talking to other gamers, this can be a great learning resource for all language learners.

Author’s Bio

Diane Sherron is a video games enthusiast and a blogger. She writes about different sides of playing video games, as well as the benefits that are not obvious at first glance. She recommends the best games for different types of players or different goals.