30 Insanely Fun Ways To Learn A Language (So You’re Never Bored)

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How Can Learning A New Language Be Fun?

Are you dreading the thought of learning a new language? Or are you struggling to learn a second language? Learning a language can be incredibly rewarding - but it can also feel like endless hours of boredom.

Whether you’re battling with boredom or struggling with motivation, it can be tough to stay motivated when all your activities take place at home.

This can lead to feeling discouraged and eventually giving up on the language learning process.

Taking on the challenge of learning a new language can feel overwhelming. Not only do you have to learn the grammar and vocabulary, but you also have to find a way to practice speaking it.

RELATED: How To Learn A Language At Home: 11 Easy And Fun Strategies.

Traditional language learning methods are often seen as tedious and boring. Contrary to popular belief, learning a language doesn't have to be boring and tedious.

Learning a language can be much more than just memorizing words and grammar rules. Vocabulary memorization, grammar drills and translation exercises are certainly useful techniques for picking up another tongue, but in the age of technology and games, there has never been an easier time to find educational activities that are actually fun.

Studying through traditional methods such as textbooks or classrooms may not always be interesting enough to keep learners motivated in the long term.

RELATED: 30+ Best Language Learning Games That Are Actually Fun & Effective.

That’s where creative & entertaining approaches come in – they make sure that you never get bored while learning a language! With the right tools and techniques, learning a language can become an enjoyable activity instead of a daunting task.

I’ve put together 30 insanely fun activities so that you can pick one every day and never have a dull moment while on the journey towards fluency.

Imagine being able to learn a new language effortlessly with various methods that are both effective and enjoyable. If you're looking to shake up your usual method of language learning, keep reading!

So What Is The Fun Way And What Exactly Is Fun?

There are a lot of ways to learn a language but by far the best way to learn is the fun way. The fun way is a way to learn languages where you prioritize having fun over, for example being efficient with your learning or trying to learn as fast as possible in the fun style of learning.

Dopamine

You essentially want to focus on what gives you dopamine!

Dopamine being the chemical in your brain that's produced when you do something that you like or enjoy, and if you are going for the fun style of learning then you can't just simply follow a language learning method because someone out there recommended it to you or someone says that it's the most effective method ever if that method doesn't take into consideration the core differences between people.

Because the fact is, people find different things fun, hence for you, you need to tailor your language learning to what you personally enjoy, not simply what other people find effective.

Because if you don't it's a recipe for disaster and that's mainly the reason why language learning has such a reputation for being impossible.

Why Is Focusing On Fun When It Comes To Language Learning Important?

I’ve been learning languages for the last few years and I’ve only just for whatever reason come to this realization, but the realization is that fun is the only thing that matters when it comes to language learning - period!

Because if you're not having fun you quickly lose motivation, you burn out and no matter how cool you think that speaking your dream language will make you, you simply just lose the drive to learn.

There's a reason why people can literally starve themselves to death playing video games for 16 hours a day but the second that you give someone some math homework, they're like…yikes!

It's because doing fun things, for example playing video games gives you a lot of dopamine whereas doing boring tasks don’t. So the goal is to hack language learning in a way where you squeeze out all that sweet sweet dopamine out of the activities that you do in order to learn a language.

Why Choose The Fun Route To Language Learning?

Say no to making excuses

Saying goodbye to making excuses is critical in order to achieve fluency in a new language. People can make all sorts of excuses for why they don't have time to learn a language, or why they're not motivated enough. In reality, these excuses are just roadblocks that prevent us from achieving our goals. 

By committing to a fun and entertaining approach, you can easily eliminate the excuses you usually make.

The best thing is that these activities can be done anywhere and at any time - so they are perfect for busy people who don't have time to attend language classes or take a course online.

Rewire your brain's pleasure center for maximum success

Learning a language can be an enjoyable experience if you know how to manipulate your brain's reward center. By engaging in activities that activate the brain's reward system, you can make learning new words and grammar rules more enjoyable.

Activities like playing online language games, solving puzzles or crosswords, watching foreign films or TV shows, and cooking international dishes can all be used to make language learning much more enjoyable.

Eliminate obstacles

Learning a language can often feel like an uphill battle when you first start out. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and to be intimidated by the amount of material you have to master.

When it comes to language learning, many people give up before they even get started because they don't know where to begin. The key is to remove roadblocks that stand in the way of your success.

By engaging in activities that are fun and entertaining, you can remove these roadblocks and take a step closer to achieving fluency.

Train your brain to think in your target language for a more immersive experience

When learning a language, it's important to train your brain to think in the language and use it regularly. Using your target language every day is one of the most important steps towards becoming fluent.

It may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but with practice you can get used to using your target language in everyday life.

One of the best ways to train your brain is to find a local community that speaks the language you're learning. This gives you an opportunity to practice conversations with native speakers and gain valuable feedback on how well you are understanding and using the language.

You can also attend cultural events, watch foreign films or TV shows, and cook dishes from other countries – all of which will give you an immersive experience and make learning a language much more enjoyable.

Refresh the language in your mind to stay up-to-date

Keeping a language fresh and current in your mind is an important part of becoming fluent. One of the best ways to do this is by using spaced repetition software (SRS).

SRS helps you focus on words or phrases that you're having difficulty remembering, so that you can practice them more often until they become second nature.

You can also find online games and puzzles that will help you remember new words and phrases in a fun way.

Transform mundane tasks into language learning chances and make the most of every moment

When it comes to mastering a language, it's important to find creative ways to incorporate language learning into your everyday activities. There are numerous ways that you can make your daily life more interactive and enjoyable while still picking up new skills.

For instance, you can turn mundane tasks such as grocery shopping or doing laundry into language learning opportunities.

Instead of writing down lists in your native language, try writing them in the target language – this will help you practice words related to everyday tasks and also give you an opportunity to test out new vocabulary.

You can also listen to podcasts or audio books in your target language while cleaning the dishes, doing your laundry or driving while you're on the way to work.

How Can I Learn A Language Without Getting Bored?

You see the main way that people go wrong when it comes to language learning is they hear that they need to do activity x, y and z and that is the only way to learn a language or that is the best way to learn a language and/or that is the most effective way to learn a language.

Hence, no matter the cost of their own willpower or their motivation, no matter how boring they find it they need to do it otherwise it's impossible to speak a language. 

This is not true and you have to wonder what would happen if activity x, y and z were all things that gave that person under a 5 dopamine.

The sheer amount of discipline that it would take to routinely, day after day do these activities that give them a low amount of dopamine, that they don't really enjoy would be astronomical. It wouldn't be realistic to actually expect them to go through with it. 

So my advice to you, if you've ever struggled with language learning in the past and if you have had an experience similar where you've been recommended to do certain things and you just found them so soul crushing and draining, and that you could never do them consistently, well basically I would tell you this - you need to join the fun learning style, and you need to only focus on the ways of language learning that are the most fun to you out of the 30 activities I’ve listed in this article.

You should fully experience each of them and rate them on your own scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being the highest amount of dopamine, 1 being the lowest amount of fun and you should spend 80% of your language learning time only focusing on doing activities that rank higher than a 5 and only 20% of your time or even less on any activities that you deem to be kind of effective but not super fun.

And be aware that the way that you will rank different activities will change over time as you get better at a language and as you just simply mature.

So every six months you want to re-evaluate where everything stands and what rank you give every activity now. Some people out there might say, well Mara what about effectiveness? What about learning in the best way? What about learning a way that can get you to fluency quicker?

I mean what if someone only finds using gamified language learning apps and watching their favorite Youtubers to be above a five and everything else, whether it be talking to people or going through a textbook they just find to be under five and not worthy of doing well.

If that's the case then so be it! Something that everyone needs to realize is that language learning is not a sprint and it is not even a marathon, it’s a lifestyle and if you get good enough at a language it will stick with you for the rest of your life. 

It's not about getting good now and it's not about getting good in two weeks or fluent in three months or fluent in three years. It doesn't really matter at the end of the day because your new language will be with you for the rest of your life.

So I would say have as much fun with it now, lay the foundation, do what you need to do in order to enjoy your language learning experience enough that you do it day after day because I promise you, eventually your language skills will get strong and if there's ever a time in the future where you feel like, oh I really need to make progress quickly or I really need to focus on effectiveness, there's nothing stopping you from doing that.

How To Incorporate Enjoyable Activities Into Language Learning

Add a bit of fun to your daily routine

Adding fun activities to your language learning routine is a great way to keep yourself motivated and engaged. When you pepper your daily schedule with activities that are enjoyable, it can help combat boredom and make language learning more enjoyable.

One of the best ways to integrate fun into your language learning is by setting aside time each day for activities that you enjoy.

This could be anything from playing a foreign language game, watching a movie in the target language, or joining an online club to chat with native speakers.

In addition to finding activities that are enjoyable, it's also important to set realistic goals and break your language learning down into manageable tasks. This will help make sure you're making steady progress and keep you from getting overwhelmed or burned out.

Don't abandon your textbooks just yet

The best way to make language learning enjoyable is to find creative and entertaining ways to practice. However, it's important not to forget the importance of traditional methods such as textbooks or assigned readings.

While these activities may not be very exciting, they are essential for making sure that you have a strong foundation in the target language and can use it effectively in real-world situations.

If you find yourself feeling bored or uninspired while working through textbooks, try finding creative ways to make the exercises more enjoyable.

For instance, you could try setting a timer and competing against yourself to see how quickly you can answer questions or quiz yourself on new vocabulary words in between classes or activities.

Alternatively, you could also pair up with a language partner and race each other to see who can get the most questions right.

30 Insanely Fun Ways To Learn A Language

1. Download a really fun language learning app

Downloading and using a fun language learning app is one of the best ways to make sure you never get bored while learning a language.

There are so many different apps available today that have interactive features, such as games and puzzles, to help you master grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Not only do these apps make the learning process more enjoyable, but they also have a great track record of helping people learn languages faster.

RELATED: Mondly Review: Experience The #1 Advanced Way To Learn A Language Without Traveling.

2. Play board games

Board games are one of the best ways to have fun while learning a language. This is especially helpful if you’re learning with someone else and want to practice speaking or reading in your target language with each other.

Not only do board games provide an opportunity for you to converse and read in the language, but they also give you the chance to learn new words and practice grammar in a fun and relaxed environment (ex. Scrabble).

3. Puzzle books (Word Search & Crossword Puzzles)

4. Watch a TV show or film in your target language

One of the best ways to learn a language is to actually hear and see it in action. TV shows and films are an excellent resource for learning languages because they give you an opportunity to listen to native speakers converse with each other in your target language while also providing context.

Plus, if you choose something that you actually enjoy watching, then it will never get boring! Streaming services like Netflix are a great platform to consume entertaining content whether you're watching with or without subtitles.

If you watch the daily news, you can even check out news programs in a foreign language.

5. Watch dubbed cartoons and anime

Another fun way to learn a language is to watch cartoons and anime that have been dubbed in your target language. Don’t be too intimidated if the language is difficult.

Watching cartoons and anime in your target language will improve your listening skills and help you remember new vocabulary words. Plus, most of these programs are designed for children, so they’re usually simple enough to understand even if you don’t know much of the language yet.

You can easily find cartoons and anime in your target language on streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

6. Watch YouTube videos

YouTube is an excellent tool for those looking to master a new language. There are so many different types of videos available that it’s easy to find something you’re interested in.

From educational videos to music, vlogs and comedy, there’s something for everyone on YouTube. Watching videos in your target language will help you learn new words and phrases without getting bored.

Plus, with the help of subtitles, you can make sure that you’re understanding what’s being said correctly. Subscribe to popular channels in your target language to get notifications when new videos are posted.

7. Try vlogging in the language you are learning

Speaking of YouTube, if you have a YouTube channel of your own, why not start vlogging in your target language? Vlogging is a great way to practice speaking the language and will help you become more fluent.

Plus, it’s also a great way to connect with other people who are interested in the same language as you. You can even collaborate with other vloggers for mutual benefit!

8. Play video games or online games

Video games and online games can be a fun way to learn a language. Many modern video games have the option to play in different languages, so you can practice your target language while playing.

Online games are also an excellent resource for learning languages. There are a ton of different online games, from language learning apps to trivia and word games.

Many of these games also have levels, so you can challenge yourself as you progress in your language learning journey.

9. Listen to music

Music is a universal language, and it’s an excellent resource for learning another language. Listening to your favorite songs in the target language can help you learn new words and phrases while having fun.

Plus, it’s also a great way to improve your pronunciation and gain exposure to different accents. In fact, I recommend creating a foreign music playlist on Spotify if you have a Spotify account.

Also, try listening to children's songs. Children's songs are as basic and straightforward as children's books. They’re often easier to understand than popular songs and will help you learn basic words and phrases.

10. Listen to podcasts/audiobooks

Podcasts and audiobooks are great because they can be listened to while you go about your daily life, like when you’re commuting or exercising.

There are many podcasts in different languages that focus on language learning—they often include interviews with native speakers and conversations between two people speaking the target language. This is a great way to get exposure to natural conversations in your target language.

Plus, many podcasts focus on specific topics like culture, travel, or current events. If you find a podcast that interests you, then you’ll never get bored while learning your target language. Also, many podcasts are available in both audio and video format, so you can choose which one works best for you.

Audiobooks are also a great way to learn a language. They’re perfect for those who want to learn more about literature in the target language or if you simply want to improve your listening skills.

You can find audiobooks for all levels—from beginner to advanced. No matter what level you’re at, there’s something out there for you.

11. Join a language exchange

One of the best ways to learn a language is to practice speaking it with native speakers. Joining an online language exchange group or community is a great way to do this.

There are many different language exchange sites and apps out there like Tandem and Hello Talk that match you up with people who speak your target language.

You can chat with them via video call, text, or voice messages to practice speaking the language. This is also a great way to connect with people from other countries and cultures.

12. Find local meetups

If you’re looking for an offline experience, then try searching for local meetup groups near you that focus on language learning.

Many cities have regular events organized by language learners or native speakers, so you can practice speaking the language in person. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends while learning your target language.

13. Find a penpal

Another great way to practice the language and learn more about another culture is to find a penpal. This is someone you write letters or emails with in your target language.

You can exchange stories, share advice, and even send gifts! You’ll get to improve your writing skills as well as your reading comprehension.

Plus, this is also a great way to make friends from around the world. You can look for pen pals online through websites like Conversation Exchange or Interpals.

14. Follow native speakers on social media

Social media is a great way to get exposure to the target language. Follow native speakers on different platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

This will help you learn slang words and phrases as well as cultural references that are often used in conversations. Plus, it’s also a great way to stay up-to-date with current events in the target language.

Follow hashtags related to the language on Twitter and Instagram and join Facebook groups for learners of the target language. This will give you access to lots of resources as well as a supportive community that can help you stay motivated on your learning journey.

15. Use flashcards

Flashcards are a great way to learn vocabulary in any language. You can make your own flashcards or use online tools like Quizlet or Anki.

These programs allow you to create custom decks of cards with words and phrases on one side and their English translations on the other. This will help you memorize new words quickly and easily.

Flashcards are also great for on-the-go learning. You can take them with you wherever you go and study whenever you have a few minutes of free time.

16. Keep a diary or journal in your target language

Writing is an important part of learning a language. Keeping a journal or diary in your target language is a great way to practice writing as well as get exposure to new words and phrases.

You can write about anything you like – your daily activities, thoughts, dreams, etc. Writing will help you remember the words better and improve your reading comprehension. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of your progress and motivate yourself to learn more.

17. Read a fiction or non-fiction novel

Reading is a fun way to improve your language skills. Pick a book in your target language and start reading!

If you’re just starting out, try something like a children's book or comic book. As you become more comfortable with the language, you can move on to novels and non-fiction books.

RELATED: 9 Effective Strategies To Make Reading In A Foreign Language Easier.

Reading helps improve your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation as well as give you insight into different cultures. Plus, it’s also a great way to pass the time and stay motivated.

RELATED: 15 Powerful Reasons To Read Short Stories For Learning A Language.

18. Read children’s books

Reading children’s books is a great way to get started with the language. Children’s books are the most basic reading you will find in any language.

You can find plenty of books for beginners that are written in simple, easy-to-understand language. Not only that, you can also find versions with audio so you can practice your pronunciation.

This will help you build your confidence as well as improve your reading comprehension. Plus, these books are usually quite fun to read too!

19. Read articles online about your favorite topics

If you’re already familiar with a certain topic, why not find some articles about it in your target language? This is a great way to get exposure to the language while reading something that interests you.

You can look for online magazines or blogs that publish articles in the target language. This will help you learn new words related to your favorite topics as well as help you understand how native speakers express different ideas and emotions. This is another great way to stay motivated and have fun while learning the language!

20. Try creative writing

Writing is a great way to practice the language and get exposure to new words. But why not take it one step further and try some creative writing?

Whether it’s poetry, short stories, or articles – you can use your imagination to express yourself in the target language. This will help you learn new words as well as develop your writing skills.

21. Cook with recipes in your target language

Cooking can be a fun and creative way to learn a language. Cooking is a great way to practice the language while also having fun and satisfying your taste buds.

Find some recipes in your target language and start cooking! You’ll be able to learn new words related to ingredients, instructions, and more. This will give you a deeper understanding of the culture behind the cuisine.

And don’t forget – you can always find some great recipes online if you don’t have any cookbooks in your target language. Plus, you’ll have something delicious to eat when you finish!

22. Watch step-by-step culinary instruction videos

If reading recipes isn’t enough for you, why not watch some videos? YouTube and other websites are full of culinary instruction videos in different languages.

Not only will you be able to practice your listening skills but also learn new words related to cooking. The best part is that you can pause the video if something goes over your head – giving you a chance to look up the word. You can even recreate some of the dishes later on and impress your friends and family!

23. Eat out in an authentic restaurant

Eat out! Going to a restaurant in your target language is not only a great way to practice the language but also learn more about culture and customs.

Find restaurants that offer menus in both languages. Not only will you be able to order food in the target language, but you’ll also get exposed to different accents and dialects. Plus, it’s always nice to try new cuisines and broaden your palate.

If you’re lucky, the waiters may even help you with pronunciation and other language-related queries. So go ahead, find an authentic restaurant in your area and enjoy a delicious meal!

24. Laddering

Laddering is when you learn a language and use that language to learn in another language. For example, if you are learning Spanish, you might use Spanish to learn Italian.

This method is great for understanding language similarities and differences. It can also help when you come across words or grammar structures in the target language that are similar to something you know from another language.

This is a great way to broaden your language skills and get a better understanding of different languages. It will help you keep up the motivation as you learn something new in the target language.

25. Do your hobbies in your target language

You can also practice your target language by doing your favorite hobbies. If you like to paint, try painting something in the target language. Or if you are into gardening, try finding some gardening books in the target language.

This way you’ll be able to combine something you already know and love with learning a new language. And if you need extra help, there are plenty of online resources available, such as online classes or video tutorials in your target language.

So don’t let language barriers stop you from doing what you love! Doing activities that are aligned with your interests will help keep you motivated and make learning the language more fun.

26. Sing your heart out with karaoke in your target language

Karaoke is a great way to practice your pronunciation and improve your listening skills. Plus, it’s also a lot of fun! Singing along with the lyrics will help you learn new words and phrases in the target language.

Doing karaoke in front of other people can be intimidating, so if that’s not for you, why not try singing along to your favorite songs at home?

You could also find some karaoke tracks online in the target language and practice at home. That way, you’ll be able to improve your pronunciation without any pressure or judgement. So go ahead, grab a microphone and belt out those tunes!

27. Find a friend or make friends who knows the language and only speak it

If you’re looking for a more personal language learning experience, why not find a friend who speaks the target language?

Having a conversation with someone who knows the language is one of the best ways to practice speaking. You can ask questions and get feedback on your pronunciation or grammar – something that you can’t do in solo language learning.

You may even find a language exchange partner, someone who speaks your native language and is interested in learning yours. This way you can practice both languages with each other and have fun doing it!

If you don’t know anyone who speaks the target language, don’t worry – there are plenty of online forums and communities where you can meet people and start practicing the language.

28. Date in your target language

If you’re single, why not try dating in the target language? This can be a great way to meet people and practice your language skills at the same time.

Even if you don’t find love, you’ll still get plenty of chances to practice speaking and listening in the target language.

You could even join a language-specific dating site to help you find someone who speaks the same language. This way, you’ll be able to practice your conversational skills with a native speaker and have a lot of fun at the same time!

29. Go traveling if possible

If you’re able to travel to a country where the target language is spoken, go for it! Being immersed in the language and culture can be an incredibly rewarding experience and will help you learn more about the language.

Even if you don’t speak the language fluently, traveling there will give you plenty of opportunities to practice. You’ll be able to learn new words and phrases, ask questions and converse with locals.

Plus, you’ll also get to explore the culture which will make your language learning journey even more interesting!

30. Homestays

If you are traveling, why not try doing a homestay in the target language? This is basically where you stay with a family and do activities together, such as cooking meals or going on outings.

It’s free lodging with a family rather than staying in a hotel, hostel or an Airbnb. Homestays are great if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the language.

You’ll get to practice your conversational skills with locals and learn more about the language and culture.

Plus, it can be a great way to make friends in the process! Worldpackers is a site where people will host you for free if you do something for them in return when traveling.

The Most Fun Way To Learn Languages Is…

Listen, at the end of the day everyone finds different things fun and it's up to you to find what specific language learning activities make you tick and what activities do you love.

Try them, go after them and do them as much as possible. Studying languages can be enjoyable, and this is the perfect way to do it!

Conclusion

Aside from that, I really hope that you got something from this article because it's very important, and this is probably the number one thing that kills the language learning journey of many people. They don't have fun, they don't enjoy it and that is a critical mistake. 

Learning a language doesn't have to be an arduous task. By breaking down language learning into fun activities and approaches, you can make the process more enjoyable and memorable. 

Whether you want to learn a language through video games, storytelling, or any of the other 30 insane ways suggested, mastering a language and expanding your knowledge is an amazing journey both mentally, emotionally and culturally that will open up so many wonderful opportunities in your life.  

And who knows? You might even end up having some good laughs along the way! So grab a friend to join you on this exciting adventure, put aside all inhibitions and explore the many avenues of delightfully fun ways to learn a new language!

A TINY REQUEST: IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PLEASE SHARE THIS?

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Question:

So, here’s the question: What are your favorite fun ways for learning a language? Is there any on this list that you’re currently using to learn a language for fun? Let us know in the comments section down below!

P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.

Hey, I’m Mara.

I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.

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