Creative Use of Language

I’d like to examine this even further. What do I mean by “creative use of language”?
I think some of it goes back to proactive learning. That in turn carries several characteristics. It means:
• Having a clear view of what you want to learn.
• Taking steps to put that in place.
• Being willing to use what you do know.
The third point is the crux of the matter for creativity.
When I taught languages full time, I often noticed that there was a real difference between those students who just worked mechanically and those really made something of what they knew. The latter would use tone of voice, gesture, and sometime even had less language than the other group. There was something about a willingness to communicate.
Of course, it is a game.
I speak English. They speak English. We could communicate much more easily if we used our mother tongues. But I’ve often also noticed that those who buy into the game also perform better in real life, too. I remember one young man going out the night before his French orla and chattign up some of the students over on an exchange programme. He was so excited by his success with the ladies that he sailed thorugh the exam the next day.
It is about that willingness to have a go. There’s a bit of acting in it too. That again, I supposing, quite creative.