How to Learn a Language through Creative Writing
Published on February 16, 2017 / Updated on November 10, 2022
It is a well-known fact that all EFL learners can benefit from creative writing. As it engages the cognitive and effective part of the brain, it is a great way to learn grammar, spelling, vocabulary, discourse and phonology. But what exactly is creative writing and how can it benefit the development of learning a foreign language? Stay tuned to find out.
Creative writing can be defined as the process of creating texts that have an aesthetic purpose, rather than just pragmatic and informative purpose. Which makes creative writing a great tool for learning a language since it’s not solely confined to the rules of the language, and allows the learner to have input while playing around with a language at the same time.
Unfortunately, many beginners tend to think that writing is for advanced learners only, when in fact it can be a great instrument for learning and improving on all levels. Oliver Turner, a seasoned writer from Essays on time, gives his opinion on creative writing and acquiring a language: ‘Creative writing can have many positive benefits for the learner. Frequent practicing teaches them the ability to focus on the language, visualize the way it works and learn various language patterns in an interesting and exciting way that can lead to better language acquisition and grammar usage’.
There are numerous ways creative writing influences an EFL learner, but here are just some of the ways you as a learner can benefit from it.
But in order to reap all these benefits, you must be able and willing to learn consistently. No matter what method you may use, every learner reaches a point when they are satisfied or simply bored with the same method of learning. Creative writing, as any other instrument used for acquiring a language needs to be done consistently.
Language learning can be a difficult and equally fun process, if you tap into resources that are in front of you. Creative writing is a very valuable resource that can take a lot of pressure off learning, but at the same time influence a faster acquisition of the target language.
Sophia Anderson is an enthusiastic language tutor and a part-time writer from Australia. She believes that learning something new every day is a must. Her inspiration comes from reading books and online blog posts that cover a wide range of her interests. Talk to her on Facebook or LinkedIn.