Localized globalization: Directives in augmented reality game interaction | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Tetyana Sydorenko, Steven L. Thorne, John Hellermann, Amber Sanchez, Vanessa Howe

Year of publication: 2021

Keywords: Augmented reality, Intercultural communication, Language learners, Pragmatics

Methodology/Sample: Principled mixed methodological design/12 students

Reference: Sydorenko, T., Thorne, S. L., Hellermann, J., Sanchez, A., & Howe, V. (2021). Localized globalization: Directives in augmented reality game interaction. The Modern Language Journal, 105(3), 720-739. https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12722

Abstract

In what has been termed the global era, individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds frequently participate in joint activities that require intercultural communication. Concomitantly, research on communication in contexts involving mobile technologies is nascent, and investigations addressing pragmatics in particular are few. In this article, we examine place-based mobile augmented reality (AR) apps, which have been shown to provide learners with valuable opportunities for location-situated social and collaborative interaction and embodied experience of place. We focus on cataloguing social actions, specifically directives, in 4 groups of mobile AR game players using English as a lingua franca (ELF) to communicate. We uncovered a variety of directive strategies, both verbal and nonverbal, that are rarely discussed in pragmatics teaching and learning yet were critical to the unfolding communicative action. Implications of the study findings for pragmatics instruction are provided within the broader recommendations for ELF pragmatics.

> Summary

The paper explores pragmatics in mobile augmented reality (AR) contexts using English as a lingua franca (ELF) for communication.
It identifies various directive strategies critical for effective communication in diverse group settings.
The study emphasizes the need for ELF pragmatics instruction that moves beyond native-speaker norms.
It highlights the importance of understanding linguistic diversity and rapport-building in ELF interactions.
The research contributes to the limited literature on ELF pragmatics, particularly in technology-mediated environments.

> Problem statement

The paper addresses the lack of research on pragmatics in mobile technology contexts, particularly in English as a lingua franca (ELF) settings.
It highlights the need for understanding social actions, specifically directives, in mobile augmented reality (AR) game interactions.
The study identifies a gap in discussing various directive strategies that are critical for effective communication in ELF contexts.
It emphasizes the importance of examining how participants engage in collaborative interaction and embodied experiences in diverse linguistic backgrounds.

> Methods used

A mixed methodological design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses of directive use.
The study operationalized directives based on speech act theory.
Detailed sequential analysis provided insights into the complexity of directive categorization.
Coding of directives was based on conversation analysis principles, focusing on listener interpretation.
The research aimed to explore directives in English as a lingua franca (ELF) contexts.
The study examined the influence of discourse context on directive categorization.

> Practical implications

The study provides implications for teaching pragmatics in English as a lingua franca (ELF) contexts, emphasizing the importance of embodied interaction.
It highlights the need for language learners to engage in real-world communication outside the classroom.
The findings suggest incorporating various directive strategies, both verbal and nonverbal, into pragmatics instruction.
The research underscores the significance of understanding the dynamic physical environment in language learning activities.
It advocates for further exploration of how verbal and nonverbal resources are utilized in ELF communication.