Language learning through interactive games

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study was to investigate language learning through the use of interactive games. A research synthesis was considered to be the most effective method as it was our intention to explore the research available on language learning and gaming. Although various studies have investigated the employment of interactive games in language learning, this field of research is still in its infancy. We juxtaposed neural correlates of language learning with that of interactive gaming and the findings indicated that there are both similarities and differences in the brain structures activated by gaming and those that are activated by language learning. Furthermore, we set out to investigate the employment of interactive games in the language classroom. Our findings indicated that interactive games are highly underused tools in language learning. In addition, we were able to identify techniques which could be used to employ interactive games in language learning. The technological advancement in our society which has shown to have a great impact on the youth of today has given rise to an increasing need for incorporating technology such as interactive games in education and for this reason it is necessary for teachers to receive education in implementing interactive games in the language classroom.