Learning a language is both a need and fashion of the time. It could be tedious as well as interesting depending on the learner, teacher and the pedagogy involved. Word puzzles and language games have become popular among the students and even adults. There are innumerable types of word puzzles and language games that give fun and learning with the side effect of logical thinking applied to language, decoding techniques and maintaining patience. English language being the most used language in the world and also second language for the most population of the world has a unique set of vocabulary and grammatical rules. These words and spelling rules as well as grammatical structure has made English more popular as it has done away with simplicity. Many words and pronunciation in English have not set rules or logical order and so does English grammar and hence understanding and dealing with problems of vocabulary and grammar puzzles are excellent tools and very amusing as well. The article deals with how puzzles and games can contribute in learning and how English teachers and students can use puzzles and games and an effective tool of learning.

1. Learning a Language –
en route Puzzles and Games
DR. HARMIK VAISHNAV

2. “Not every puzzle is intended to be solved.
Some are in place to test your limits. Others
are not puzzles at all…” -Vera Nazarian
“Games are like magic. They make whole
worlds out of almost nothing.” -Jesse Schell
09/10/2020 HARMIK VAISHNAV

3. Language Learning
* Creating interest is a challenge for a teacher
* The right use of grammar to be taught
* Enriching vocabulary and the slim difference of
meaning between English words
* Simple and complicated spelling patterns
* Developing thinking in English language
09/10/2020 HARMIK VAISHNAV

4. Types of Language Puzzles
* Crossword puzzles- the most popular
* Vocabulary puzzles like good word, antonym, synonym,
rhyming word etc.
* Grammar puzzles for syntax
* Language and logic puzzles
* Idioms, phrases, figures of speech puzzles
* Jumble words and sentences
* Topic based vocabulary puzzles etc.
09/10/2020 HARMIK VAISHNAV

5. Advantages of language puzzles
* Creating interest in the subject
* Critical thinking, honing IQ, logical thinking and creative
thinking
* Exploring and understanding etymology
* Enriching vocabulary and understanding right syntax
* Development of thinking in a particular language
* Therapeutic and sharpening memory
* As assessment tool
09/10/2020 HARMIK VAISHNAV

6. Limitations & Challenges
* Designing puzzles for the target audience
* One answer need not be correct always. Example:
Teacher’s version: ‘He came_______ [after I had left]
Learner’s version: ‘He came_______ [when I was reading]
* Fun element given more importance than learning
* Imbibing the learning in regular use of language.
* Language puzzles are more intensive than extensive
09/10/2020 HARMIK VAISHNAV

7. THANK YOU
For complete article refer to:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Harmik_Vaishnav/
research
09/10/2020 HARMIK VAISHNAV