Types of Language Games and Their Classification

Types of Language Games

Classifying games into categories can be difficult, because categories often overlap. Hadfield (1999) explains two ways of classifying language games. First, she divides language games into two types: linguistic games and communicative games. Linguistic games focus on accuracy, such as supplying the correct word (it could also be the meaning of the word, a synonym or antonym). On the other hand, communicative games focus on the successful exchange of information and ideas, such as two people identifying the differences between their two pictures which are similar to one another but not exactly alike. Correct language usage, though it may seem important, is secondary to achieving the communicative goal.

Game Types

It is important to know what types of games are available in order to plan a lesson with a balanced rhythm. There are many different types of games: card games, board games, movement games, games with music, to name but a few. However, many games are difficult to label. Therefore, we have assigned each game a type based on its most outstanding feature—for example, although a board game includes dice rolling, the board itself is the primary focus.

Movement Games

In these games, the children are physically active. Movement games are generally 'rousers' and need to be closely monitored.

Card Games

Children collect, give away, exchange, sort, and count cards. The cards can have a meaning or value in a game, or simply serve as symbols for objects or actions. (It is unlikely that you will have an elephant handy and it is not easy to describe snow-skiing in a tropical country.) Cards are often components of other game types as well.

Board Games

Any games which mainly involve moving markers along a path. Board games can be made by the children as a fun craft activity.