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Academic Paper

Title:	Affordances for second language learning in World of Warcraft
Author:	Paul S. Rama
Institution:	University of California
Author:	Rebecca W. Black
Institution:	University of California
Author:	Elizabeth Van Es
Institution:	University of California
Author:	Mark Warschauer
Email:	click here to access email
Homepage:	http://www.gse.uci.edu/markw
Institution:	University of California
Linguistic Field:	Applied Linguistics; Language Acquisition
Subject Language:	Spanish
Abstract:	What are the affordances of online gaming environments for second language learning and socialization? To answer this question, this qualitative study examines two college-age Spanish learners’ experiences participating in the Spanish language version of the massively multi-player online game World of Warcraft. Using data culled from participant observation, interviews, logs of in-game chat, and student journal entries, we describe how the design of the game, cultural norms for its use, and participants’ own abilities interact to afford distinct opportunities for language learning for these two students. Discussion focuses on how online games might be used for language teaching and learning in ways that take full advantage of the medium's affordances for both experienced and inexperienced players.

	This article appears in ReCALL Vol. 24, Issue 3, which you can read on Cambridge's site or on LINGUIST .

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