ERIC Number: EJ985864
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0958-3440
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Multimodal Analysis of Language Learning in World of Warcraft Play: Languaging as Values-Realizing
Zheng, Dongping; Newgarden, Kristi; Young, Michael F.
ReCALL, v24 n3 p339-360 Sep 2012
Applying Communicative Project theory (Linell, 2009), we identify and distinguish between the different coordination and language activities that emerged during an episode of "World of Warcraft" ("WoW") gameplay involving English Language learners (ELLs). We further investigate ELLs' coordinations between killing and caring, self and others, in which language and action arise. Using multimodal analysis, we found: 1) a diverse tapestry of communicative activities unlikely to match what would be found in a classroom environment; 2) that the values realizing involved in killing (a typical action in "WoW") demonstrates a strong covariate tie with caring; and 3) that players' values realizing is multi-layered, heterarchical and dynamic at a given time and space of situated interaction. We conclude by making suggestions for 1) the design of learning environments based on affordances for coaction and rich communicative activities and 2) the reconceiving of language learning as skilled linguistic action (Cowley, in press) grounded in situated learning and participation in intercultural, technology-mediated L2 networks. (Contains 7 figures and 5 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Caring, English (Second Language), Classroom Environment, Second Language Learning, Linguistic Theory, Experiential Learning, Intercultural Communication, Values, English Language Learners, Interpersonal Communication, Computer Games, Computer Mediated Communication, Computer Assisted Instruction, Educational Technology, Discourse Analysis, Instructional Design, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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