Can you imagine how easy learning a language can be if it’s mostly fun and games? Gamified language learning refers to the use of game-like elements to enhance the learning experience and motivate learners.
With points, badges, leaderboards and levels, language learning becomes more engaging and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at how effective this method is and how you can use it to increase your fluency.
Gamified language learning can be effective, particularly in boosting engagement, motivation and consistent practice. Game elements make language learning more enjoyable and encourage regular study habits, which are crucial for progress.
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore found that today’s gamified language learning apps can make learning more efficient and help to reinforce previously learned lessons.
However, while gamification works well for building vocabulary and basic grammar, it may not be as effective for mastering advanced language skills or achieving long-term retention. To maximize results, it’s best to use gamified learning as a supplement to more traditional language study methods.
Tools for Gamified Language Learning
There are some exciting gamified and game-based tools out there for language learners. Here are some of my favorites:
With Busuu, you can choose from a variety of languages and progress through interactive lessons that include vocabulary, grammar and real-life dialogues.
You’ll earn points and badges as you complete lessons and reach milestones. The program helps you track your progress and offers personalized study plans that adapt to your pace.
Additionally, Busuu offers social interaction through its community feature, where you can practice with native speakers, further enriching the learning experience. Check out our full Busuu review:
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To become fluent, you need to hear your target language the way native speakers really use it. FluentU uses video clips from authentic media—including movie trailers, music videos and more—to teach languages naturally.
As you watch, you can explore the interactive subtitles. Click on any word to get a definition, pronunciation, examples and other videos where it’s used.
After you’ve watched a video, you’ll get quizzed on the new words you learned with engaging exercises. Performance indicators will help you track your progress and you’ll earn virtual currency and build up learning streaks.
The Language Game is a quiz-style game you can play with another language learner. Each player can learn a different language, making it perfect to play with your language exchange partner.
The game aims to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation as you play. The mission is to get to the other side of the board by strategically choosing hexagonal tiles, like in the game Blockbusters.
To play, you’re given a language-based question. If you can solve it, you’ll win a tile that can help you get closer to the other side. You can also sandwich your opponent’s tiles to flip them over to your side!
With Duolingo, you’ll complete a series of gamified language learning tasks such as translating words and phrases, typing what you hear, saying phrases into your phone’s mic and building sentences.
These tasks are delivered through mini-lessons arranged by theme. Each correct answer slowly fills up your progress bar. When you complete a lesson, you’re rewarded with virtual currency, which you can use for prizes.
You can also win badges, earn points, move up the leaderboard and make “Double or Nothing” wagers with your earned currency. If you use Duolingo every day for a full week, you’ll earn another five!
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LingoDeer combines structured lessons with gamified features to enhance the language learning experience. The app covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and cultural nuances.
The app offers interactive exercises that feel like mini-games, making language practice engaging and enjoyable. Users earn points, unlock achievements and advance through levels as they complete lessons.
Lessons are organized into bite-sized, manageable units, making it easy for learners to progress at their own pace. The app’s design encourages daily practice by offering streak rewards and progress tracking.
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Tips for Using Gamified Language Learning
With the following strategies, you can get the most out of tools for gamified language learning.
Review and repeat levels.
Remember that your ultimate goal is to learn the language, not to beat the game or rack up as many points as possible.
So if you’ve passed a level, or even finished the game, don’t forget to go back over more challenging parts or even the easy parts to reinforce them in your mind and cement what you’ve learned.
Practice in a non-game environment.
Try to use the skills you’ve learned through games in real life. For example, look for native speakers to try new vocabulary out on. Platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk can help you find language exchange partners.
You can also integrate the vocabulary words into your day by labeling objects around the house or using flashcards.
Track your progress and mark your weak spots.
Built-in progress tracking tools can help you pinpoint areas of the language that you need to work on. If you heed the data, you’ll get insights that ensure your game time is well spent.
Note any words or grammar concepts you have trouble with to get a picture of your present language skills and consistently improve.
Play multiple games to target different skills.
There’s no one game or silver bullet that can deliver language fluency. So you’ll have to play many games and repeat them several times.
Try a variety of games that focus on different language skills and use different learning approaches. This diversity will help cement the learning in your memory.
Connect with other language learners.
A sense of community is very important for language learning, and playing games together is a great way to interact with other learners.
Now you know what gamification and game-based learning are all about. You have some resources you can tap into and useful tips on how to make them work well for you.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to make a game out of your language journey!
Stevie Tan Last updated: 
