Language Learning Through Playing Computer Games
Gulmira Kutumbetova
KIMEP University, The Language Center
[email protected]
Abstract
My research relates to the theory and practice of language acquisition through the use of computer games.
Usually children are reluctant to learn foreign languages; as a rule they study only under the lash of parents,
which makes the process very slow and lengthy. However, some computer games allow children to learn
without painfully "trying" to learn through another, more pleasant vehicle Observations allowed me to identify
what computer games supplement the learning process and allow children to achieve greater fluency at earlier
stages than through traditional language instruction. I conducted observations of an 11-year-old boy who spends
much of his free time playing computer games that utilize English speaking and listening skills. After fou r
weeks of observation, I discovered that the participant was able to use English various phrases not taught in
formal language instruction, as a result of repeating words or phrases required by computer games. Such
findings could influence teachers to take a new look at forms of effective language learning.
Background
Studies and scholarly literature commonly dismiss computer games as a waste of time or as merely a cause of
aggressive behavior. This is, however, a missed opportunity for educators. Many computer games, besides those
marketed to give explicit grammar practice or instruction, can offer entertaining but useful opportunities for
children to learn a foreign language. Playing new games in English which are not yet translated into a player’s
native language can contribute to the acquisition of English. The aim of this study is to encourage the use of
computer games that contain more than violent images, so educators can “capitalize on the ESL benefits” (Gee,
2005). This study addresses the following questions: 1) How the child engages with the game in English? 2)
How the learners build meanings? 3) What long-term impact of playing games has on language acquisition?
Method
I observed and video-recorded an 11-year-old Kazakh boy who regularly plays computer games in English. I
observed him in his home playing computer games two times a week for four weeks, total: 8 observations, 4
hours. The participant’s level of English is a beginner. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed using
interactional sociolinguistic methods.
Results
The results indicate that the exposure to a foreign language has a positive effect on a student’s performance. It
appears that reading English instructions and following game commands develop oral and literacy skills. During
the playing of games, he was engaged in English in the following forms:
1. Reading English instructions (here is the development of oral skills and literacy skills)
2. Following commands.
3.
Repeating phrases and separate words during the game
At the end of observation period, he demonstrated the appropriate use of four linguistic items outside of the
game playing he acquired during playing computer games.
The results suggest that:
•
•
•
Contextual use of English is not equal to knowledge of English;
Games increase vocabulary;
Listening and reading skills are encouraged through gaming.
Conclusion
The findings show that from computer games a child learns separate words and sometimes whole phrases, and
later uses them in relevant situations in everyday life. One possible conclusion is that a child can build meanings
through constant listening command in target language and multiple repetitions of target language units: As
DeHann (2005) explains, “The natural repetition in video games, such as the constant set-up of mini battles in
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role-playing games and the frequent use of menus in virtual pet and stimulation games, allows a language learner to
be continuously exposed to the target language and creates more opportunities for acquisition to occur.” The
challenge for EFL educators is to build on the entertainment value of appropriate computer games to assist more
formal instruction in a target language.
References
Arnseth, H. C. (2003) article “Learning to play or Playing to learn…” “Children and
Computer Technology: Analysis and Recommendations”, Journal “The future of Children” (Vol. 10, #
2).
De Haan, J., (2010) “The effect of interactivity with a music video game on Second
Language Vocabulary Recall.
De Haan J., (2005) “Learning Language through Video games: a theoretical framework, an
Evaluation of game genres and questions for future research”.
Garcia-Carbonelli, et al.(2001) “Simulation/gaming and the acquisition of competence in
another language”.
Gee, James Paul, (2000) “Good Video games and Good learning”.
Prensky M., (2001) The Digital Game-Based Learning Revolution.
Shaffer, D.W., (2006) How computer games help children learn.
Squire, K.D. (2002) “Cultural Framing of computer/videogames”, Game studies: the
International Journal of Computer Games Research”.
Subrahmanyam,K., (2000) “The impact of Home Computer use on Children’s Activities and
Development”.
ShafferD.W, ( 2006), “How computer games help children learn.”