What is Language Games in Teaching? What are the Objectives and Importance of Language Games in Teaching English with Examples

Back to: Pedagogy of English- Unit 5

A language game refers to an activity that is used to facilitate the learning of a language. Adeng  & Shah  (2012)  state  that  “grammar  teaching  that  is  too  dependent  on  rules  and memorization makes learners lose their interest and motivation” and add that “games are the most suitable to learn the grammar of a second language.” Learning a new language requires a lot of effort and practice. Incorporating games in language learning enable learners to practice various skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Games can create a meaningful context for the usage of language.

Objectives of Language Games in Teaching English

The main objectives of language games in teaching English are as follows:

1. They facilitate the hidden practice of specific language patterns, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
2. They can aid in improving attention span, concentration, memory, listening skills, and reading skills.
3. They can also increase and improve student participation and motivate students to take more risks.
4. They can also improve the attitude of students towards learning and this can boost their academic development and performance.
5. They can also foster social and emotional learning among learners and improve their communicative competence.

Importance of Language Games In Teaching English

There are many reasons why including language games in teaching English is highly important and these are as follows:

Promotes Better Understanding

Including games while teaching English can help the learners stay active and pay attention to what is being taught. This promotes better understanding among the learners.

Increases Learning Efficiency

If the language games are designed highly well, they can help in making the teaching-learning process more effective.

The practice of the four skills

Language learning also promotes the regular practice of the four language learning skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Meaningful

Language games also make the language learning process more effective and meaningful. It makes learning more fun and students can engage more in the learning process.

Expressive

Language games allow learners to be more free and expressive and put new words into practice.

Examples of Language Games In English

1. Debate
2. Impromptu speech
3. Pictionary
4. Hangman
5. Spell bee

Many research studies show that participating in language games allows learners to develop and enhance their communication skills, strengthen their vocabulary, and become more participatory too.