An application (computer program, an embodiment can be a game) which requires translation as one of its metrics is used to help the user can learn a language while operating the system (in a game embodiment, playing the game). The interaction is carried out only in a foreign language, but the application also includes translation capability. A virtual buddy can be used to translate between the native language and the foreign language so that the user can translate information and eventually learn information about the language by the process of interacting with the system (in an embodiment playing the game).