JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Influence of Game-Enhanced Communication on EFL Learners' Pragmatic Competence in Compliment Responses.

  • Published In: Applied Linguistics, 2025, v. 46, n. 1. P. 110 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Zhang, Ying 3 of 3

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of game-enhanced communication via the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft (WoW) on Chinese English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners' pragmatic competence in compliment responses (CRs). Using a pretest-immediate-posttest-delayed-posttest design, 105 intermediate-level Chinese EFL learners interacted with native English-speaking players in WoW over four weeks and completed synchronous text-based conversations with American interlocutors on WeChat. Results showed a significant and lasting shift from a tendency to deny compliments before the intervention to predominantly accepting compliments afterward, although learners' responses often lacked diversity in sub-strategies. The study highlights the roles of authentic target-language input and implicit feedback from native speakers during gameplay in facilitating pragmatic development, suggesting MMORPGs as valuable tools for L2 learners with limited immersion opportunities.

Additional Information

  • Source:Applied Linguistics. 2025/02, Vol. 46, Issue 1, p110
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Visual Arts
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0142-6001
  • DOI:10.1093/applin/amad082
  • Accession Number:182906046
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