Despite Español being the second-most spoken language in the US, most third-generation Latinos prefer English as their primary language. Around 40 million Latinos speak Español at home and yet, fluency in the language is fading with each generation.
According to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, only 34% of third-generation Latinos can carry a conversation in Español.
This happens when you live in a country with English as its main language. It is important to understand that your native language(idioma)keeps you connected to your roots.
You can remain connected to your native idioma by relearning and perfecting it. However, who has the time to join a language-learning class?
But wait up!
Gamifying language learning is a solid approach to learning a language conveniently. If you have been looking to learn Español but cannot figure out how to, you can give these Spanish language-learning games a shot.
Benefits of Learning Español through Games
Language-learning classes are known to be boring unless you are lucky enough to get that one instructor who breathes life into the class. Plus, with our goldfish attention spans(el período de atención de un pez dorado), it is hard to concentrate as well. This is why gamifying language learning is a pretty successful way to learn a language. Let us have a look at all the reasons why it is a good approach.
- Learning Español through games keeps you engaged throughout.
- Games provide a sense of achievement through aspects like levels, rewards, badges, etc. This instills motivation in you to keep learning.
- Language-learning games allow you to practice your learning in practical, real-life scenarios that require communication. This reinforces your learning and ensures you do not forget what you have learned.
- You can further improve your learning by collaborating with other players. This sense of community further helps you in language learning through peer support and motivation.
- Learning through games also allows you to have fun and relax, since these are designed to be enjoyable and feel less like an Español class.
Before we progress, some of these games are online, which means you will need a stable internet connection throughout to play them. Spectrum provides a dependable internet connection. Plus, their Hispanic customer service is an added benefit. You can subscribe to an internet plan by contacting the Spectrum servicio al clienterepresentative and test your Español as well.
Best Games for Learning Español
Palabras Cruz
A crossword puzzle game in Spanish, Palabras Cruz is a free mobile game with an interactive interface. It has fun and engaging brain teasers that you need to solve to progress further in the game. If you are somewhat familiar with Español, then this is a good (Bueno) game to learn new words while putting your problem-solving skills to the test. However, if you are unfamiliar with basic Español vocabulary, then this might not be the game for you since it is completely in Spanish. Moreover, it has over 1000 puzzles, so you can play and learn without getting bored. Palabras Cruz is available to download on the Google Play Store.
4 Fotos 1 Palabra
Who does not love a good game of 4 Pics 1 Words? 4 Fotos 1 Palabra is the Spanish version of that. As a free mobile game, it has a pretty simple interface which means anyone can play it, be it kids or adults. Since there is no direct teaching in 4 Fotos 1 Palabra, you can learn Spanish words unconventionally. It is also a great tool to learn Spanish words with multiple meanings. You can enjoy this game if you can understand and read basic Español.It is a free game that requires a small payment to remove annoying ads. Lastly, it is available to download on both App Store and Play Store.
Freerice
Imagine playing a game that allows you to have fun, learn Español, and raise funds for feeding the deserving. While the game’s default language is not Spanish, you can access the Spanish trivia questions in the subjects section of the game. Freerice has a simple layout with engaging trivia questions. The questions are in Spanish, but the answer options are in English so it is a great tool for people who are completely unfamiliar with Spanish.
However, it is also suitable for advanced-level learners because as you answer each question correctly, you keep progressing in difficulty. One wrong answer, and you are back down on a lower level. The best part is that every correct answer means 10 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations’ World Food Programme.
While there are many more options in games that allow you to learn Spanish, these three are the ones we found most engaging and actually helpful. Plus, they are a great way to learn Español without getting distracted.