The Influence of Online Games on Learning English Vocabulary in High Schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

In the last couple of years, there has been an obvious increase in the number of school children proficient in English. One of the main reasons is the influence of the media, as well as students’ great exposure to video games. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between video-game playing and English language proficiency based on age, gender and latest grade in English language. A questionnaire was completed by 71 middle and high school students answering a range of questions on the quantity and quality of the video game they play. The results showed that video games have a great impact on language learning, as well as that vocabulary and communication are areas of most benefit. Therefore, as a form of highly desirable entertainment, video games provide a positive and motivating atmosphere which is perfect for adopting a foreign language and may have positive impacts on obtaining and improving vocabulary.