How video games help language learning

Charlotte Guest
Two people playing video games on the sofa together
Reading time: 6 minutes

The evolution of video games and global connectivity

Video games have come a long way since their inception in the late 20th century. From the simple pixelated screens of 'Pong' and 'Space Invaders', we've entered an era where video games are complex, immersive and incredibly detailed. The evolution of video games has not only been technological but also cultural.

With the rise of the internet and online gaming, players from different corners of the world can now connect, collaborate and compete in real-time. This global connectivity has transformed video games into a social platform, where language barriers are often encountered and interestingly, overcome.

Language learning and video games
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The role of video games in language learning

The traditional methods of language learning—textbooks, classroom instruction and language labs—are being complemented by more interactive and engaging tools. Video games have emerged as a surprisingly effective medium for language acquisition. The immersive nature of video games, combined with their interactive elements, makes them an excellent tool for learning new languages. Here are a few ways in which video games facilitate language learning:

Contextual learning: Unlike traditional methods that often rely on rote memorization, video games provide contextual learning. Players are immersed in a virtual world where they must use language to navigate, solve problems and interact with other characters or players.

Motivation and engagement: The gamified nature of video games keeps players motivated and engaged. The desire to progress in the game encourages players to learn and understand the language used within the game.

Real-time communication: Many online multiplayer games require real-time communication with other players. This necessitates the use of language skills, often in a second language, to coordinate actions and strategies.

Increased outlets for multilingual communication

One of the most significant impacts of video games on global communication is the sheer number of outlets they provide for interacting with speakers of different languages. In the past, opportunities for language practice were often limited to classroom settings, travel, or pen-pal programs. Today, video games have dramatically expanded these opportunities, creating a vibrant, multilingual community where language learning can thrive.

Online multiplayer platforms

Online multiplayer platforms like Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Steam host millions of players from around the world. These platforms facilitate communication through voice chat, text messaging and in-game interactions.

Games like Fortnite, Overwatch and League of Legends have massive international player bases, meaning that players are frequently paired with teammates or opponents who speak different languages. This constant exposure to diverse linguistic environments encourages players to practice and improve their language skills.

Social media integration

Many video games now integrate with social media platforms, allowing players to share their experiences, form communities and communicate outside of the game. Platforms like Discord, Reddit and various game-specific forums provide additional spaces for multilingual interaction.

These communities often include language-specific channels where players can seek help, share tips, or simply chat in their target language, further enhancing their learning experience.

Esports and streaming

The rise of esports and game streaming has also contributed to the multilingual communication landscape. Professional gamers and streamers often interact with a global audience, providing commentary, tutorials and live interactions in multiple languages. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming enable viewers to engage with content creators and fellow viewers in real-time.

An example of communication in team-based games

One example of language learning through video games is found in team-based games like 'Sea of Thieves'. This is a multiplayer pirate adventure game that relies heavily on teamwork and communication.

In 'Sea of Thieves' players take on the roles of pirates sailing the high seas, searching for treasure and battling other pirate crews. The game requires players to work together to sail their ship, manage supplies and engage in combat. Effective communication is crucial for success.

Imagine a scenario where a team of players from different linguistic backgrounds must work together to sail their ship. One player speaks Spanish, another speaks English and a third speaks French. To navigate effectively, they must communicate instructions such as "raise the anchor," "lower the sails," or "fire the cannons." This situation creates a natural and urgent need for language skills, pushing players to learn and use new vocabulary in real-time.

Another aspect is the potential for negotiation and diplomacy. When encountering another pirate ship, players may have the option to negotiate rather than engage in combat. This requires players to communicate clearly and effectively, often in a language that is not their first. Phrases like "Let's form an alliance," "We come in peace," or "Do you need supplies?" become essential tools for survival and success.

The benefits of language learning through video games

One of the most compelling reasons why language learning in video games can be more enjoyable and effective is the practical need to communicate clearly and efficiently. Unlike traditional learning environments where the practical application of language skills can sometimes feel abstract or distant, video games provide immediate, tangible reasons to use a new language.

In team-based games, clear communication often directly correlates with success. A well-coordinated team that can effectively communicate is more likely to win than a team that struggles with language barriers. This creates a strong incentive for players to learn and use the language of their teammates.

A team that can communicate clearly will be able to execute complex maneuvers, coordinate attacks and manage more effectively than a team that cannot. This practical, real-world application of language skills makes learning more engaging and rewarding. Players are not just learning for the sake of learning; they are learning to win, to achieve goals and to enjoy the game more fully.

The benefits of learning languages through video games extend beyond the virtual world. Here are a few key advantages:

Improved listening and speaking skills: Real-time communication in multiplayer games enhances listening and speaking skills, as players must quickly understand and respond to their teammates. that MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) can significantly improve listening and speaking abilities in a second language.

Cultural awareness: Playing with individuals from different countries exposes players to various cultures and dialects, fostering a sense of global awareness and empathy. can serve as rich sites for intercultural communication and learning.

Problem-solving and critical thinking: The need to solve problems and strategize in a foreign language enhances cognitive skills, making players more adept at thinking on their feet. , where players develop problem-solving skills within meaningful contexts.

Increased vocabulary and grammar: Regular interaction in a second language helps players build their vocabulary and understand grammatical structures in a practical context. The interactive and immersive nature of for vocabulary acquisition and grammatical development.

The future of language learning and video games

As video games continue to evolve and become even more integrated into our daily lives, their potential as tools for language learning will only grow. The interactive and immersive nature of video games makes them an ideal platform for acquiring new languages in a fun and engaging way.

Certain games demonstrate how real-time communication and teamwork can break down language barriers, fostering a sense of global connectivity and cooperation.

Read our blog posts 'Why learning a language is better than using machine translation' and 'Games and puzzles to level up language learning'.

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    1. End of year projects

    Longer projects are perfect for the end of the year because they encourage deeper engagement. Here are a few ideas to try out.

    • Class memory book: Ask students to contribute to a collaborative memory book filled with drawings, photos, or written reflections on their favorite moments of the year.
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    • Local impact projects: Challenge your learners to brainstorm ways to support their local community. They could develop a plan or even implement their ideas.

    2. Holiday-themed school activities

    With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect excuse to blend learning with holiday cheer.

    • Cultural exploration: Encourage students to research and share how different cultures celebrate the holidays, fostering inclusivity and curiosity. They can also share how they celebrate the end of the year and any New Year traditions.
    • Art session: Organise a holiday craft-making session where students create ornaments, cards, or posters. Encourage students to write and create cards to take home to their loved ones.

    3. Interactive learning games

    Interactive games are an easy way to maintain focus and excitement.

    • Trivia challenges: Create trivia questions about topics covered during the year—bonus points for including playful or funny questions about inside jokes or class moments.
    • Escape room activities: Turn your classroom into an educational escape room with puzzles, problem-solving challenges and hidden clues.
    • AI Guess Who: Most AI chatbots will let you play games like Guess Who; play this with the class to liven things up.Let them take turns to guess who the chatbot is thinking of. You can also use '.

    4. Group activities

    Encourage collaboration with team tasks that bring students together.

    • Talent show: Give students the chance to showcase their talents, from singing and dancing to magic tricks and storytelling. It can be a great way to encourage them to practice language skills.
    • Debate tournaments: Divide your class into teams and set them up for friendly debates on fun or meaningful topics.
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    5. Creative classroom ideas

    Don’t hesitate to think outside the box with these unique ideas:

    • Class awards ceremony: Create fun and light-hearted awards for each student, such as “Best Scientist” or “Most Curious Learner.”
    • Time capsule creation: Have students write letters to their future selves or fill a box with objects representing the year.
    • Themed classroom party: Use a theme, such as a tropical luau or winter wonderland, to bring the class together for a fun party with food, games and music.

    6. Classroom party ideas

    Every great year deserves a great finish. Host a lesson that brings your students closer together.

    • Movie afternoon: Set up your classroom and dim the lights to create a cinema atmosphere for a class movie.
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    Keep the learning spirit alive

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    The intriguing etymology of spooky words

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    There's a certain allure that surrounds spooky words. Their very sound can send shivers down your spine and their meanings often carry chilling tales of the past. For those who revel in the peculiarities of language, exploring the origins of these eerie expressions offers a hauntingly delightful experience.

    Language is full of mystery and the etymology of words related to the supernatural is no exception. Let's take a closer look at some of the most spine-tingling words in the English language and unearth their origins.

    1.Ghoul

    The word "ghoul" has its roots in Arabic folklore. Derived from the Arabic word "ghūl," it refers to an evil spirit that robs graves and feeds on the dead. This sinister entity first appeared in English texts around the 18th century, becoming synonymous with creatures that haunt our nightmares.

    2.Witch

    "Witch" is a word steeped in history and lore. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "wicce" (for a female witch) and "wicca" (for a male witch). These terms are believed to be linked to the Proto-Germanic root "wikkjaz," meaning "one who wakes the dead." Over the centuries, the image of witches transformed, influenced by cultural narratives and historical events such as the infamous witch trials.

    3.Vampire

    The word "vampire" conjures images of blood-sucking fiends that prowl the night but its linguistic origins are equally fascinating. It likely comes from the Serbian word "vampire," which gained popularity in the 18th century in Western Europe. This term was used to describe beings that rise from the grave to feast on the living, a concept that has since been romanticized in literature and film.

    4.Specter

    Derived from the Latin "spectrum," meaning "appearance" or "vision," the term "specter" is often used to describe a ghostly apparition. In the 17th century, it came to be associated with the haunting phantoms that drift through abandoned halls and eerie landscapes. Its spectral connotations are timeless, evoking images of translucent figures and the eerie rustle of bygone whispers.

    5.Zombie

    While the concept of reanimated corpses exists in various cultures, the word "zombie" has its origins in West African folklore. It is derived from the Kikongo word "nzambi," meaning "spirit of a dead person." The term was introduced to the Western world through Haitian Vodou practices and gained prominence in popular culture during the 20th century.

    6.Poltergeist

    The term "poltergeist" originates from the German words "poltern," meaning "to make noise," and "Geist," meaning "spirit" or "ghost." This eerie word describes a type of supernatural entity that is known for its mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior, often manifested through unexplained noises or objects moving without apparent cause. Poltergeist occurrences have long featured in folklore and horror stories, capturing the imagination with tales of restless spirits causing chaotic disturbances in the world of the living.

    7.Banshee

    The word "banshee" is rooted in Irish mythology, deriving from the Old Irish term "bean sídhe," meaning "woman of the fairy mound." Banshees are believed to be heralds of death, their mournful wails seen as an omen that someone is soon to pass away. These spectral figures often appear as women shrouded in gray or white garments, their cries echoing the sorrow and mystery that enshroud their presence. The legend of the banshee has endured in popular culture, continuing to haunt the imaginations of those who hear her tales.

    8.Doppelgänger

    The term "doppelgänger" originates from the German language, combining "doppel," meaning "double," with "Gänger," meaning "goer" or "walker." It refers to the unsettling phenomenon of encountering one's double, often considered an omen of bad luck or death. In folklore, a doppelgänger is thought to be a spirit or supernatural entity that takes on the appearance of a living person. This eerie concept has been a source of fascination in literature and art, exploring themes of identity and the dual nature of the self.

    9.Wraith

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    10.Mummy

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    11.Werewolf

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    For linguaphiles, unraveling the mysteries behind spooky words is a thrilling adventure. Each term carries a legacy, a tapestry woven with tales of terror and wonder. Whether you're penning a chilling tale or simply enjoy the art of language, these eerie expressions continue to captivate and inspire.

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