Secondary research

GAMES IN LANGUAGE LEARNING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The biggest challenges are: What kind of games to choose or to create; how to find the opportunities for language learning within gameplay; and how to integrate gameplay and its associated activities into the curriculum. The benefits of gaming is all in the implementation.

In optimal environmental contexts, with appropriately selected and trained groups of users, playing a well-designed game, a number of positive and effective language learning experiences are possible. Virtual worlds where users have to accomplish specific goals have been seen as particularly amenable to use in language learning.

Gameplay typically involves repeated actions in different contexts with increasing levels of difficulty and complexity, providing reinforcement of earlier introduced vocabulary and language structures. These activities are taking place in a safe and inviting environment which provides enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment, as progress through the game is recognised and rewarded. Gameplay also makes for a more realistic environment in which the player uses the language.

The presence or absence of game-related activities, whether they be generated by an instructor or take place at the initiative of the gamer, add more to the learning experience.

But don’t make the game too hard for an user who is not experienced with games, as this will disencourage them.

Link to the site:

http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/10125/44363/1/18_02_emerging.pdf

Peltokorpi, V., & Clausen, L. (2011). "Linguistic and cultural barriers to intercultural communication in foreign subsidiaries". Asian Business & Management 10(4), 509-528

A study of cultural and linguistic barriers between Japanese and Nordic employees in a Nordic company's subsidiary in Japan. The study shows that the lack of a shared language is a big barrier to a good communication. Challenges in cultural communication were caused by (from the Nordic point-of-view) the Japanese hierarchical system and ambiguous use of language. These culture-based communication style differences were often cited as increasing changes for miscommunication and conflict. Different expectations behavior wise often led to disappointment and untrustworthy relationships. The study suggested further that language and cultural barriers have an overall negative influence on intercultural communication.

Link to the site:

https://search.proquest.com/business/docview/900744753/79050104C3114686PQ/1?accountid=14446