ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ways in which digital games and virtual environments are especially suited to the teaching and learning of second language (L2) pragmatics. Digital games and virtual environments offer L2 learners a space in which they can engage in contextualized participatory practice designed to meet their individual needs while simultaneously offering just-in-time feedback. The teaching and learning of L2 pragmatics is complex, at best, and is relatively absent from the language classroom. The chapter discusses digital games and virtual affordances offer a unique learning space adept at handling the dynamic nature of language while also providing a scaled learning environment for the users themselves. It describes key research from this area, highlighting fundamental characteristics of digital games and virtual environments that make them useful sites for the teaching and learning of L2 pragmatics. Future game designs must take this into account to ensure as much interaction and experimentation with the virtual scenarios as possible.
