At the Intersection of Identity and Literacy: When Identity Frames Literacy Practices

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: Examining the Role of Identity and Emotion in the Experience of Literacy

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between identity and literacy practices with a board game environment. Research indicates that games are alternative environments for literacy practices and identity development (Bricker & Bell, 2012; Steinkuehler, 2010). Yet, the intersection of identity and literacy practices in the game literature has mainly been investigated in video games (Williams, 2008). The current study expands the literature by looking at how identity frames literacy practices during the gameplay of an African board game known as Songo. Using semi-structured interviews of a Songo board game player, the study reveals that identity shapes the literacy practices players engage in during Songo board game play.

Author

• Rebecca Yvonne Bayeck, Utah State University