Beyond the stereotype
When a student is playing video games, it’s easy to assume the worst – that gaming is a terrible distraction and a waste of time. At least that was the worry of a mother in Hong Kong concerned her son’s video game time was interfering with his language learning. Was she right to be worried? Or could there be more to gaming than meets the eye?
I spoke to Beau, a 14-year-old Form 3 student in Hong Kong, who thinks there is. He says that far from being a distraction, video games have been a key part of his journey in learning both English and Mandarin.
Playing to learn
Beau leads a typical Hong Kong student life. He attends school in Cantonese, completes his homework, and, like many his age, unwinds with video games. His preferred genre? Tactical shooters – games that require cooperation, fast thinking, and clear communication with teammates around the globe.
And this is where it gets interesting. In order to coordinate strategy and succeed in the game, Beau must communicate effectively with players from other countries – many of whom speak either English or Mandarin but not his native Cantonese. This puts him in a situation where language isn’t optional; it’s essential.
A safe space for mistakes
In online gaming, players often use a live chat or microphones to talk through tactics in real time. Everyone is on the same side, rooting for each other in whatever way possible. The game becomes a supportive environment, where making the occasional language slip doesn’t carry the same weight as it might in the classroom. “It’s easier to make mistakes when no one can see you,” Beau explains.
When he doesn’t know a word, he quickly consults Google Translate, applies the new vocabulary, and carries on playing. If no one corrects him, he assumes that he’s used the word appropriately in context. The instant feedback loop – albeit informal – is highly motivating and feeds into the thrill of being understood in a foreign language.
Immersion without a passport
We know that the most effective way to learn a language is total immersion. Gaming often features instructions and dialogue in English, exposing students to authentic language in context. But more than that, it requires social interaction that takes place around the games.
It’s not just during gameplay that language skills are being honed. Between matches, players chat about hobbies, favourite films, or school life. If they get on well, these conversations continue on social media platforms like Instagram. This ongoing interaction extends the learning far beyond the confines of the game and can develop into lifelong relationships.
From screen to real life
Beau has busy working parents and doesn’t have much opportunity to speak English or Mandarin at home, so gaming has become his primary means of practising these languages. Interestingly, he has also become attuned to regional differences in Mandarin, picking up on variations in slang between speakers from mainland China and Taiwan.
Final thoughts
So, next time a student tells you they’ve been playing video games all weekend, don’t be too quick to frown. For teachers with limited time or resources, it’s worth thinking about how we can guide students towards activities that offer authentic opportunities for language use. After all, language learning is most effective when it’s purposeful, engaging – and fun.
According to Beau’s mother, the results have been noticeable. Not only has his confidence in using English improved, he’s now able to initiate conversations with strangers while on holiday – a significant milestone for any language learner.
We often talk about the digital world and the “real” world as two separate places. But for language learners today, and everyone else for that matter, those worlds are deeply intertwined thanks to social media, remote working, and online learning. It’s important that learners understand that communicating in-person is just as important as communicating online. Luckily, some students like Beau are already ahead of the curve.
