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Evidence for Second Language Socialization in Multiplayer Online Game Play
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Evidence for Second Language Socialization in Multiplayer Online Game Play

TESL-EJ (Berkeley, Calif.), Vol.24(4), p.1
02/01/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000008435
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Evidence for Second Language SocializationView
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Abstract

Case studies Closeness Collaboration Community Community life Computer mediated communication Exile Interviews Language Language proficiency Language Skills Rules Second language learning Second Languages Skills Social dynamics Social systems Socialization Teaching Time periods Computer & Video Games Ethnography Games Immigration
This ethnographic case study aims to examine second language socialization (SLS) in a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) called Stronghold Kingdoms (SK). To explore the affordances of this community for SLS, the social dynamics in a Faction community during four life-time periods, namely, war, post-war peace and life in exile, end of the world, and immigration to a new world were investigated using three methods: observation, analysis of records (in-game forum exchanges), and interview. The results suggested that the norms of the Faction community, that is, communication, collaboration, skills, support, rules, closeness, trust, status, and shared experiences provided a supportive environment for SLS. Moreover, the results of an in-depth interview conducted with one of the Faction non-native English speakers (NNES) revealed that the affordances of SK were important in the development and improvement of second language skills. Therefore, this study offers implications for second language pedagogy and research.

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