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Video games were actually one of the tools I used to help get better at German.
Toll oder?
If you're in the process of learning a new language, which I think everyone should be, video games can be fun learning tools.
Being able to understand a second language, even just bits and pieces of it, is awesome. Its like being C-3PO minus 5,999,999 forms of communication. Learning a new language helps open up your mind to new things and new ways of life.
The other day I was in the food court at the mall waiting for a sweet strawberry crepe and there was a group of people conversing joyfully in an Asian language. Not too much time passed before a group of teenagers strolled by. After they were out of earshot of the foreigners, but still within mine, I heard one mutter, "frickin' speak english."
Seriously?
They weren't talking to him. They were talking amongst themselves. I don't see why they should be expected to talk to each other in any language other than their own.
It is very closed minded and naive to hold the belief that everyone should always be speaking English.
Learning a second language is a great way to break out of this mindset.
If you're in the process of learning a new language whether it's in school or just on your own time, video games can lend you a hand.
Here's how.
Most games nowadays, though not all, have enough extra disc space to include multiple voice tracks in different languages. You just need to access it, and it's easy as a trip to your system settings.
Go into your console's system settings and find Language. Then just pick the target language of your choice. Remember just change the language, not the locale. That's different.
For PS3 users here's a link to a page that will guide you to changing your language. LINK
For Xbox 360 users here's a link to step by step instructions on how to do this. LINK
WARNING: Be sure to remember the path to get to the language settings in case you ever want to switch back to English. I don't want you getting lost in the menus because they're in a different language.
Once your console's language has been changed pop in a game and try it out to see if the dialog is now in a different language.
I recommend you do this with a game you're very familiar with. Pick your favorite game. If you already know what they're saying it'll be easier for you to make connections with what they're saying in a different language, as well as navigate the menus.
I used to play Gears of War in German all of the time. I learned words like 'suicide', 'take cover!', 'reloading', 'victory', and much more.
It can also be pretty funny playing a game in a new language. In Gears of War Cole Train's German dub is even sillier than his English voice actor. And instead of saying "Shit yeah!" Dom will say "Scheieße ja!"
When it comes to RPGs [ever game link] you might have less luck. Though I haven't tried it on many games, I know for sure games like Mass Effect only has one language on the disc due to the huge amount of dialog many RPGs have. There's simply just not enough room on the disc for more than one language.
I did however manage to get Mass Effect 2 in German on PC. Interestingly enough, the lip syncing matched up with the new language. I was impressed by that.
So video games can be great, and definately fun, tools for helping you on your quest to learn a new language.
Enjoy your game.
Enjoy your life.
Viel Spass!
People can be idiots. I think I might give that a shot one of these days.
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