Teaching Linguistics With Games

This volume explores games and gamification as a pedagogical approach to teaching linguistics and languages at the university level. It introduces a variety of games and gamified activities that can be integrated into almost any linguistics course, from phonetics and phonology to psycholinguistics and language evolution. The authors not only share their experiences using games in the classroom but also embrace a broader educational philosophy of ludic pedagogy. This approach centers on engaging students in meaningful, authentic activities and empowering them to take charge of their learning. Through this method, teachers can boost learner motivation, foster self-efficacy, build a supportive community of practice, and make learning an enjoyable experience.

Many of the games and activities in this book are flexible and can be adapted to suit various class types and student demographics. This collection of best practices serves as a practical guide for teaching with games and a resource that helps educators navigate potential challenges and misconceptions. Ultimately, the book aims to enhance the teaching experience for linguistics instructors, improve learning outcomes, and promote productive, collaborative relationships with students. The book is complemented by an online repository of printable games, which will be continuously updated and expanded: https://linguisticgames.weebly.com/

Vita V. Kogan is a researcher fellow at the University of Lisbon and a visiting lecturer in applied linguistics at University College London. She recently co-edited Dynamic Teaching of Russian: Games and Gamification of Learning (2023) that explores the theory and practice of gamification in language education.