Learn Italian with Games
So, you want to learn Italian, huh? Well, you’re in luck because there are many ways to do it. You can listen to Italian podcasts, belt out some Italian tunes, read along with Italian audiobooks, and even use fancy-schmancy Italian apps! But have you ever thought about adding some spice to your learning with video games?
Yes, I’m not joking! It’s like learning but without all the boring stuff. Plus, you get to be a total boss at these games AND learn Italian! It’s a win-win, people! So, level up your Italian skills and beat all your friends in the process!
Video games can be an effective way of learning Italian!
You might think video games are just a bunch of mindless time-wasters. However, games can be a pretty sweet way to learn a new language. Who needs Candy Crush or Flappy Bird when you can crush some Italian grammar and fly high on new vocabulary?
I know what you’re thinking: “But I’m not a kid anymore. I can’t learn through play!” Well, guess what? You’re wrong! Playing is how we learned about the world when we were little brats, so why not use that same technique to learn Italian now?
Think about it. You study grammar or vocabulary in a boring old textbook or self-study program, and then you add a game to the mix to reinforce what you learned. It’s like sneaking vegetables into your mac and cheese. You’re tricking your brain into learning without even realizing it.
And the best part? You’ll be able to use all that knowledge you gained in real-life situations. That’s right, folks. Can you imagine becoming a language pro, all thanks to the power of games? So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start gaming!
Pimsleur Approach
You’ve probably heard of Pimsleur’s effective language-learning program, but did you know they’ve got games, too?
That’s right, folks. And the best part? They’re free!
They’ve got Italian Colors, Italian Weather, Italian Memory, and even an Italian Food Match-Up Quiz!
The Italian Colors game is like a puzzle where you drag and drop words and letters to match up with the colored words.
The Italian Weather game helps you learn all the helpful weather vocabulary through matching.
The Italian Food Match-Up Quiz lets you make sentences and match up food items to their translations while advancing through the levels.
So, if you’re a beginner looking to conquer the essential vocabulary, click here and try out the Pimsleur Approach games for free. Your brain (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Duolingo
Duolingo has 8+ million active Italian students and millions more learning other languages.
To start, you can take a proficiency test to see where you’re at, or start from the beginning and work your way up the language learning “tree.”
The lessons themselves are like a matching game. They give you an Italian word or phrase, and you translate it into English, or vice versa. It’s a brain-bending game show where you’re the contestant, and the prize is fluency. They make you use all your language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Topics have several lessons under their umbrella. And lessons are a compilation of many mini-lessons. The more topics you complete, the more topics you unlock in the “tree,” and the more fun you’ll have.
And the best part? Registration is free! You can access this game online or as an app. So what are you waiting for? Click here and start learning Italian today! Your brain (and your nonna) will thank you.
I have always wanted to learn a new language. I lived in Paris for a while. Every day, I would walk to the local patisserie and request ‘deux croissants buerre s’il vous plait,’ only to have them respond in English every time.
Now, perhaps my French was that bad, and they felt sorry for me, or they wanted to practice their English. Either way, I didn’t get enough opportunity to practice. But I tried.
Your article shows how easy it can be, with determination, to learn a new language. Back then, I didn’t know I could practice languages with games. But it makes sense to leverage the power of gaming to boost our language learning skills.
Thanks for sharing your experience in France. It is challenging to find language partners to practice at the beginning. Besides, games, you can also try platforms such as Italki by clicking here.
Hey, I am glad I came across your post. Thanks a lot!
I forgot that games existed as a mode of learning new languages. Like, how could I? Even as a gamer! I will definitely be on the lookout for a suitable game for learning, starting from the ones you mentioned here!
I have come across Duolingo before, though. So that one shall be easy!
Thanks again, and have a great day
Of course! It doesn’t feel like “learning” when you’re having fun! Games are great for learning because they take some of the stress out of the equation. Look up some games to help you on your journey. Also, try playing your regular games in your target language.