How to Video Game Translation As An Educational Tool For Language Learning

For a very long time, we all have settled that video games aren't just for entertainment and time passes anymore. They are surely a means of entertainment and the bigger part, career and learning opportunities. Now the spectrum of these learning opportunities is very vast. In this read we are going to target the language aspect. Since, the world we live in is multilingual and multicultural, the presence of video game translation services becomes very important.

Today isn't the era of learning languages through rote memorization or using dry textbooks. Now we have different games with a diverse set of genres that guarantee learning in a fun, interactive, and immersive environment. Want to know more about these games and how they help in language learning? This read is specially crafted for you, so let's get into it.

Rise of Game-Based Language Learning (GBLL)

Game-based language learning is an educational approach that utilizes the features and mechanics of a video game to facilitate language learning for individuals. Instead of dry books and rote learning, GBLL immerses learners in interactive experiences where they actively learn language skills through gameplay. And sometimes, this language learning process is so unconscious for the game players that they are not making any effort in learning the language. You must have noticed that when you play a game, you learn words from it just because you have heard them many times or they appear on your screen. This is the unconscious side of learning a language where effort from the individual's side is minimal.

Imagine learning Spanish by roaming the streets of Barcelona in a detective video game. You can learn Spanish vocabulary and know more about Spain. This is the essence of game-based language learning. By using the engaging world of video games, it makes language learning a fun and wholesome experience.

How Does Video Game Translation Provide an Interactive Environment For Language Learning?

Earlier we mentioned the multilingual and multicultural world we live in. This difference in language and culture brings contrast to people’s thought processes. This difference accounts for how differently we view and perceive things. In order to avoid this linguistic difference hindering a dynamic educational experience, the use of video game translation is frequent. Translated games aren't a passive experience. In reality, they allow gamers to interact in the gaming world. Here gamers utilize the gaming lingo for solving problems within the game as well as for solving different missions and quests.

With the help of a translation agency, developers can translate these games for a linguistically diverse audience. These perfectly translated games can easily be used even in a classroom environment.

Utilizing Different Game Genres For Different Language Learning Goals

You must have heard this statement, “Variety is the spice of language learning”. Here, this variety refers to the different ways which use different approaches for different games. 

Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

For instance, if we talk about role-playing games (RPGs), they develop vocabulary and grammar through storytelling and character interaction. Here players create backstories, engage in dialogues, and fully immerse themselves in the narrative world of the game.

Simulation Games

Apart from puzzle and adventure games, there is another category of games that caters to a very distinct approach. Simulation games offer specialized vocabulary and practice communication skills in simulated scenarios. These games replicate real-world situations and allow gamers to develop communication skills in a safe and controlled environment.

For instance, “Stardew Valley” allows players to manage a farm, “Project Hospital” allows players to manage a hospital and in “Microsoft Flight Simulator” players get to pilot a plane. How exciting and fun is that, isn't it?

Final Words!

The landscape of video games is going under constant revolution. With the game-based language learning approach, students get to learn a new language by just immersing themselves in the gaming experience. And with the help of video game translation, it becomes easier for linguistically diverse students to acquire new language skills with the help of these games. Role-playing and simulation games are just two of the gaming genres that accelerate the language learning process.

 

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