To activate a dictionary make the effort to use the correct word and spelling when ever you write. Even in, if not espeically in chats and emails.
I.E. You not u, dunno is not a word in the English Dictionary so write don't know, wanna.. is not a word in the Dictionary etc. If you want to activate the dictionary with minimum fuss and learn a language seek to use the correct word at every writing and speaking opportunity, that's activation.
Alex