USE OF LANGUAGE GAMES AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

Learning/ Teaching a Foreign language / Second language (English) is a complex task especially in a non-native context where there is little scope for exposure to and use of the target language. The mother tongue (L1) exercises pro-active interference in the learning of a foreign language like English (L2). The level of complexity /difficulty increases with the widening difference between the two languages (L1&L2). Higher levels of conscious efforts are required on the part of the learners to free themselves of the influence of the mother tongue, and to understand, assimilate and interpret the newly learnt language items. It’s an uphill task, both challenging and rewarding for the teacher also to play a pivotal role in facilitating the teaching-learning process. High motivation is the need of the hour for the teaching-learning process so as to make it a pleasant experience for both the partners in the process. In this context Language Games serve as an effective tool towards this end and serve the purpose. Learners of all age groups show interest in games and learning becomes easier and simpler when learning takes place through games. Language games provide familiar, native setting for language learning in a non-native context there by removing all sorts of apprehensions, hesitation, fears and confusion.