Innovating language learning in higher education: creativity, creative pedagogies and technologies in the 21st century

The vibrant landscape of 21st-century higher education demands innovative language learning approaches that go beyond conventional methods to incorporate creativity and positive risk-taking. This article contains a conceptual and exploratory inquiry into how creativity-infused pedagogy can transform language education, enhancing both engagement and effectiveness. Creative modalities such as drama, poetry, arts, and problem-solving are highlighted as powerful tools for fostering linguistic skills, critical thinking, innovation, and cultural awareness-key skills for the 21st century. Strategies that integrate artistic expression and imaginative thinking within a language learning context are discussed, emphasising their role in developing a well-rounded language learner. The article also stresses the pivotal role of technology in this creative revolution. Digital tools, from language learning apps to virtual reality environments, are considered for their potential to enrich language education by facilitating interactive and immersive experiences not possible in traditional classrooms. The article offers an imagined scenario designed to covey possibilities for language educators to innovate and students to engage in creative exploration within language learning. Ultimately, the article calls for a creative shift in language education, positioning creativity as essential for effective, engaging, and transformative learning in the digital age.