ÖKOLOGISCHE LINGUISTIK IM DIGITALEN RAUM: KOGNITIVE UND SPRACHLICHE INTERAKTIONEN IN ROBLOX

Abstract

Nowadays, natural events have increased in many parts of the world with global warming, making the environment more important. In this study, which was conducted to create more awareness about the environment and to protect the environment, it was taken into account that students use technology extensively and especially computers and mobile phones have an important place in their daily lives. As games have motivating factors, they can play an important role in the autonomy of learners and stimulate interest in developing a new language and environmental awareness. The history of digital games is mentioned in the study and the ideas that have shaped the development of digital games from 1948 until today are explained. The five most popular games within the Roblox platform were outlined as part of the study. The advantage of these games is that the visual graphics of the games contain important signs related to environmental linguistics. Environmental awareness teaches children not to harm the environment, animals, plants and natural resources. Furthermore, environmental linguistics emphasises that awareness of the environment should also apply to spoken languages. Just as a plant or animal can become extinct if it is not protected, language can also change if it is not cared for and may be threatened with extinction over time. As part of the study, the environmental linguistic signs in five games on the Roblox platform were analysed and explained according to the semiotic models of Saussure, Peirce, Morris and Barthes. In the final section, it is concluded that the games contribute to language teaching by teaching vocabulary, grammar and written and oral communication. As a result, the players who learn German will be able to develop what they have learnt at school through these games and these children, who are our future generations, will become environmentally conscious individuals.