Living in Second Life and Learning a Second Language: A Study on English Learning for Chinese Residents in Second Life

Dan Wu

School of International Programs/Humboldt College, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an, China.

DOI: 10.4236/ce.2012.34079                

Abstract

This paper examines Chinese residents’ experience in learning English in the 3-D virtual world of Second Life (SL). With an introduction to the current English as a Second Language (ESL) education in China, ESL students’ demand for practice, I analyzed an online BBS created and maintained by Chinese SL residents and conducted interviews in SL to argue that there is an urgent need among Chinese ESL learners to practice their English with native English speakers and SL can function as a platform to allow Chinese ESL learners practice with residents from all over the world with help and support provided by their online learning communities such as BBS or SL friends groups.

Keywords

ESL; Second Life; E-Learning; Virtual World

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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