Tongue-Tied Ties: Impact of Language Barriers and Goal Attainment on Intergenerational Bonding Through Wii Gaming

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Game Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

As the world population ages, interactions between the young and old will be more frequent. The ways that different generations communicate with one another are evolving as well. Digital games have been explored as one way to enhance intergenerational communication. However, language barriers between different generations due to language shifts and loss of heritage languages can still be a challenge for meaningful intergenerational bonding through game play. In order to have a better understanding of the effectiveness of using games for intergenerational communication in the presence of language barriers, we report on a longitudinal field experiment which explores the role of language as an indicator of social group boundaries as well as the impact of goal attainment on game partner perceptions. Using the Nintendo Wii for intergenerational gaming, we test the effects of language (common language vs. no common language) and goal attainment (success vs. failure) on various dependent variables.

Authors

• Jeremy Sng, Nanyang Technological University

• Younbo Jung, Nanyang Techological U