Os Jogos MMORPG como Auxiliares no Processo de Aquisição de Língua Inglesa

Abstract

The recent development and popularization of computer and technological resources have brought new interaction possibilities and potentials among their users. One of these possibilities that is still beginning to develop in this field is the usage of commercial electronic games as auxiliary tools for learning, despite the fact they are not programmed for such objectives. One game genre that is getting more attention is the MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer On-line Role-Playing Game). The MMORPGs, as the other games, also present traits with great potential for learning, but their particular characteristics are the main affordances for language acquisition. Based on that, this research aimed to verify if the MMORPGs can act as auxiliary and motivational tools for their players process of second language acquisition. In order to do so, this work investigated the occurrence of game-related motivation and acquisition of English language by Brazilian players of the MMORPG Tibia. The data analysis was based on several acquisition theories, such as input hypothesis (KRASHEN, 1985), acculturation model (SCHUMMANN, 1978), interaction hypothesis (HATCH, 1978; LONG, 1981) and complexity and chaos theories in language acquisition(LARSEN-FREEMAN e CAMERON, 1997, 2008; PAIVA, 2005, 2008), as well as the concepts of communities of practice (WENGER, 1998), learning through games (GEE, 2004, 2007; MATTAR, 2010) and motivation (GARDNER e LAMBERT, 1959; ELLIS, 1997). Theresearch demonstrates how MMORPGs can work as facilitators and motivators for second language acquisition due to their predominantly social and cultural traits that stimulate integration through the second language.