FAQs
Recording Feature
Please note that on 10-23-2016 we have removed "Record It" from the Games Menu. As you may know, the Flash Player is no longer supported and Chrome will remove Flash from its browser in 2020.
We are currently looking for another Recording function that works with our program.
Play Screen Adjustments
On recent iPhones the play screen adjusts by squeezing the brown (left or right) game frame.
Where can I download Audios and Vocabulary Lists?
The podcasts of each Story Level and each language can be downloaded by clicking on PODCASTS above. Also, under Scene 1 of each Level you'll see a "Download audio file," the mp3 audio of the Level's six (6) Scenes. Just click on the "Play" and "Play [language]" buttons and you'll see all the Levels and Scenes you have completed or started.
Under each Scene you'll see a "Download PDF file" link, the vocabulary list of the Scene.
Audio Problems?
The audios are downloaded as you are playing and older/slower computer (with slow internet connections) sometimes will have trouble "catching up." Closing other applications while you are playing will often help.
Running Windows XP Version 2002?
We recently heard from a user that she encountered a freeze-up of the "Say It" and "Word Invaders" games. When she restarted the course/game it apparently worked fine again. So far, we have been unable to replicate and correct the freeze-up and invite any users to let us know if they encounter such problem.
Tips and suggestions for iPad users
- At times when moving rapidly from one screen to the next, the audio may not catch up. An easy fix is to just use the Safari reload button, and the audio should then work fine.
- It's very easy and tempting on the iPad to click on the correct word or phrase. But, if you really want to learn, slow yourself down and read the foreign word or the English explanations, e.g. hints such as (m), (f), (fam.) (form.) and others, explained in How to Play and Learn.
Which Mobile Devices will work with your program?
Since January 21, 2013 GamesforLanguage courses can be played on Apple devices using iOS6 or higher, including the iPad, iPad Mini, and iPhone. (Also, a small detail: "rolling-over" the foreign dialog in "The Story" will not give you the English translation.) And, you may have to update your iOS6 device to the most recent OS version.
What are the best browsers to use with your program?
In principle, all modern, up-to-date browsers should work with gamesforlanguage.com.
Is the GamesforLanguage program intended for children or adults?
While GamesforLanguage can be used by anybody who can read (which would only exclude young children), it has been designed specifically for Teens and Adults. Each course has 36 lessons consisting of a conversation and games that help you learn the language of everyday life, or propel you to refresh your dormant language skills. We believe that adults can learn a new foreign language best by relating it to their native language, its vocabulary and sentence structure. This is especially true for the European languages with its many shared roots.
Why is there no sound on my iPad and iPhone when I use your courses?
Unfortunately, interactive audio isn't supported on the Apple's older mobile devices in HTML5, but if you are using an iPad or iPhone running iOS6, you should be able to hear the audio
Why are there six(6) levels with six(6) scenes?
The completion "bar" in each level is being increased, reaching 75% in level 6. Moreover, different games, longer sentences and recalls of earlier scenes' vocabulary increase the difficulty level. Also, while not aligned perfectly with the story, each level typically deals with different situations and/or environments.
How can I go back and play earlier scenes?
When you see the colored "PLAY FRENCH 1........SPANISH 1" button, click on "see details." All the scenes played to date, including your scores, are shown. You can replay any scene you'd like, by clicking on the little "play" button beside the scene score
After completing the 36 Scenes, what will I have learned?
The story you'll have heard, read and spoken has over 2,000 words. This will enable you to follow and participate in basic conversations. Not only will you have learned close to 700 different content words, but you'll have heard and spoken them in everyday conversations. You'll remember and may be able to use or adapt many of the phrases and sentences without having to agonize over the correct grammatical structure.
Will you have more advanced courses?
Yes, we are planning to have Level II and Level III courses available in the future. Each course will again let you acquire another +/- 700 new content words. After completing all three levels a player/learner will have acquired about 2,000 content words, which many consider a major benchmark towards fluency.
How can I find out more about word meanings and grammar?
- As we kept any grammar explanations to key points only, we invite you to e-mail any questions directly to ulrike@gamesforlanguage.com. We'll respond as soon as possible.
- Our Dictionary has further explanations for many of the words and phrases in the "Story."
- For further study and explanations of words, The Online Dictionaries are an excellent source.
- For conjugations of verbs, Verbix is an excellent site.