Playing Video Games and Concrete Vocabulary Acquisition among EFL Learners: The Case of Popular Clash of Clans in Iran

In recent years, many techniques have been suggested for English vocabulary learning as the building block of any language and a major concern for ESL/EFL learners. Drawing on the widespread popularity of playing online games among teenagers in Iran, especially Clash of Clans which uses a host of concrete words throughout its procedure, this study investigates another technique and the possibility if this long-term experience in playing online games can improve 12 to16 years old (male and female) EFL learners knowledge of concrete vocabulary. To this aim, both male and female learners from similar basic proficiency levels, selected from different high schools in Yazd, were briefly interviewed about the length of their experience with Clash of Clans. 20 were randomly chosen and assigned to the experimental group and 20 not having any experience with the game were assigned to control group. Whereas the control group were taught the target words (from Clash of Clans vocabulary) using a traditional memorizing and translation method, the experimental group were exposed with the vocabulary while really playing online. The results of concrete vocabulary pre-tests (one) and post-tests (two: immediately after the course and 6 months interval) and qualitative classroom observation by the researchers revealed although, both groups made noticeable progress after the training program, the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. The repeated notices and illustrative images in the game as well as the joy and excitement the learners constantly referred to as their secret of better success can once again acknowledge the dramatic effect of media technology on ELT.

کلیدواژه ها:

vocabulary acquisition ، online games ، concrete vocabulary ، ELT ، Clash of Clans