SiLang: Culturally oriented language skill development in line with workplace needs

Abstract

This paper introduces siLang, a serious gaming approach for situated learning of vehicular languages. Otherwise referred to as lingua franca, these languages are commonly understood and used across communities. They facilitate effective communication by individuals not sharing a mother tongue. In the context of ever increasing international collaboration, this work takes a new approach in language learning building on the added-value introduced by vehicular languages as cross-cultural communication tools. siLang takes into account cultural aspects by exposing learners to the use of vehicular languages by native as well as non-native speakers. The project integrates into a serious game culturallyinfluenced communication norms and language transfer effects including diverse pronunciations, expressions, and idioms through scenarios that draw inspiration from real-life. The learning game is supported by good practice recommendations targeting language instructors facilitating the effective integration of proposed situated, game-based learning into language education with applications in wider learning settings. The development of the serious game is work in progress. Validation activities will take place in Greece, Norway, Italy, Portugal, and Estonia involving undergraduate students, professionals, and vocational workers.