The Impact Of Online Video Games On Language Skills Among Tlemcen University Efl Students In Algeria

Abstract

Playing video games has gained popularity all over the globe since the last two decades. This coupled with technology advancements which paved the way for a tremendous gaming industry, yielding in its turn various types of games, among which online video games are prevailing. Consequently, people all over the globe, mainly youth, are highly exposed to this type of gaming using English as a medium to interact with both English native and non-native speakers and which might have an impact on the development of English language skills in a relaxing and entertaining environment. The present study investigates the impact of playing online video games on English language skills among EFL learners in the English department of Abou Bekr University of Tlemcen, Algeria. By means of a mixed method approach, a structured questionnaire was administered to 40 male and female EFL learners, as well as an interview with ten male participants. Data analysis revealed that online video gaming is a double-edged sword; while it influences learners’ English language skills, particularly speaking and listening, it has a negative impact on vocabulary acquisition. This is because learners are exposed to a great number of slang and taboo words as well as numerous abbreviated forms which may negatively affect their writing skills. Moreover, the interview findings revealed that personal and cognitive as well as emotional and psychological benefits emerged from online gaming.