THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL GAMES BASED ON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES ON LANGUAGE LEARNING AND THE INTERRELATION WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD LANGUAGE

Abstract

While the potential of digital games in education has been extensively debated, there remains a notable gap in scholarly literature focusing on their impact on foreign language acquisition—particularly in Central Asia—through mixed-method research approaches. This study aims to bridge this gap by providing empirical data from a new cultural context. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study examines the influence of digital games on the language learning outcomes of university students studying English as a foreign language (EFL). A total of 99 students from Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages were randomly selected, with 10 participants chosen for qualitative interviews to ensure data triangulation. The findings reveal that students engaging in digital games demonstrated a significant improvement in vocabulary acquisition and developed a more positive attitude toward language use. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between gamers and non-gamers in overall academic performance. These results suggest that digital games have the potential to enhance vocabulary acquisition and foster a positive attitude toward language learning among EFL learners. Additionally, the study provides key recommendations for future research in this field.