Second Language Socialization in Stronghold Kingdoms: A Narrative Inquiry

Abstract

The present study investigates second language socialization (SLS) in a massively multi-player online game (MMOG) called Stronghold Kingdoms. SLS explores how second language learners become members of the target language social groups. Using 3 data sources including records, interview, and focus group, this narrative inquiry provides evidence for SLS affordances in MMOG play. Furthermore, focusing on the SLS journey of one non-native English speaker, this study reveals that the participant developed a working English proficiency through collaborative group activities by participating in and assuming social roles in the game. Moreover, as the game was about the collaborative efforts around a communal goal, the results suggested that the gamers prioritized action over linguistic skills, allowing the participant to take risks and contribute to the discourse while apprenticing to the linguistic norms of the community. These findings suggest that MMOGs have the potential to support SLS and, hence, be considered for language education.