English Language Learning and Video Games: The Game Persona 4: Golden in a Discursive Genre Perspective

This study aims at discussing how the discursive genre theory (BAKHTIN, 1992; DOLZ; SCHNEUWLY, 2004) contributes to the understanding of how video games can foster English language learning. Persona 4: Golden , the video game chosen for this study, was analyzed through Dolz and Schneuwly 's (2004), namely: action capacities; linguistic capacities; linguistic-discursive capacities. The analysis shows that the first six hours of gameplay of the aforementioned object of study present a wide array of text genres that simulate texts found in the real world, engaging players in authentic practices that stimulate language learning. Moreover, as the understanding of language is a prerequisite to move forward in the game, motivation is a key factor in P4G. Lastly, since the game used in this study is also present in other media, players might engage in gaming culture.