Colombian Fulbrighter leads research on bilingualism and gaming
Video games and language learning
The use of video games as spaces for learning second languages is the central theme of the book Understanding Second Language Users as Gamers: Language as Victory, an academic publication that analyzes the role of gaming in the development of language skills and literacy practices in digital environments.
The work was edited by Raúl Alberto Mora, recipient of the 2002 J. William Fulbright Scholarship, and developed with the support of the Literacies in Second Languages Project Research Lab (#TeamLaV). The volume brings together research based on the analysis of more than 50 video games, ranging from classics such as Atari and Super Mario to contemporary titles such as Fortnite, League of Legends, Minecraft, Valorant, and FIFA.
One of the most innovative contributions of the book is that the researchers participating in the study are themselves active gamers, teachers, and academic researchers. This dual status allowed them to analyze, from a longitudinal and reflective perspective, how players use English and other languages to interact, collaborate, and construct meaning within video game communities.
The book offers a fresh perspective on language learning, highlighting the potential of gaming as a legitimate space for socialization, communication, and linguistic development. It also underscores the importance of recognizing these digital practices as relevant settings for education, research, and teacher training in contemporary contexts. This publication reaffirms the lasting impact of Fulbright experiences on the academic and professional trajectories of its fellows, as well as their contribution to the generation of interdisciplinary knowledge with global reach.
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