Beyond the monolingual habitus in game-based language learning: The MElang-E and EU·DO·IT projects in the interstices between linguistics, pedagogy and technology

Abstract

Mirroring prevailing monolingual ideologies in foreign language pedagogic practices, the majority of language learning games reflect a monolingual perspective on language and language learning. This article attempts to delineate alternatives to this monolingual habitus in game-based language learning (GBLL). In order to do so, it introduces two Erasmus+ projects that set out to develop multilingual language learning games which go beyond vocabulary drills or match-the-translation activities by encompassing a plurilingual perspective on languages and language learning: MElang-E (Multilingual Exploration of Languages in Europe) and EU·DO·IT (European Digital Online-Game for Intercultural Learning and Translanguaging). The authors will discuss how in projects of this type, the need for sociolinguistic realism and the overarching plurilingual pedagogy have to be actively balanced with the expectations, preferences and needs of learners and teachers. Preliminary survey data on stakeholders’ perspectives on such products shows that there is a widespread scepticism regarding the inclusion of some types of non-target language material in a language learning game. Consequences for the design of multilingual games will be drawn.