The Analysis of Vocabulary Usage in The Online Game Application ”Mobile Legend’’ at Junior High School
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.7806Keywords:
Analysis, Mobile Legend, Online Game;, VocabularyAbstract
This study explores the analysis of vocabulary usage in the online game application Mobile Legends at Junior High School. Using a qualitative design, the study involved 10 ninth-grade students as participants, selected for their active engagement with the game. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that students frequently acquired vocabulary related to gameplay, such as cooldown (CD), buff, nerf, ulti, and backdoor. These terms were retained because they were repeatedly used and directly connected to in-game actions. Students reported that the interactive features of Mobile Legends, including quick chat, voice chat, and subtitles, facilitated vocabulary learning in an authentic context. The results indicate that Mobile Legends can serve as a supplementary medium for vocabulary acquisition among Generation Z learners. However, potential negative impacts, such as exposure to offensive language and excessive play, must also be considered. The study suggests that game-based learning should be integrated strategically into EFL classrooms to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
References
Abdul Kadir, R., Kamri Amri, S. R. (2020). Peran orangtua dalam meminimalisir kecanduan game online pada anak. Jurnal Riset Golden Age PAUD UHO, 3(2), 258–267.
Adiningtiyas, S. W. (2017). Peran guru dalam mengatasi kecanduan game online. KOPASTA: Journal of the Counseling Guidance Study Program, 4(1), 28–40.
Ahmad Wildan Faza, Syailin Nichla Choirin Attalina, A. W. (2022). Analisis dampak game online pada interaksi sosial anak usia sekolah dasar di Desa Bawu RT 06 RW 01. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Konseling, 4(3), 534–545.
Ali Amran, Eddy Marheni, Tjung Hauw Sin, R. Y. (2020). Kecanduan game online Mobile Legends dan emosi siswa SMAN 3 Batusangkar. Jurnal Patriot, 2(1), 45–56.
Alqahtani, M. (2015). The importance of vocabulary in language learning and how to be taught. International Journal of Teaching and Education, 3(3), 21–34. https://doi.org/10.20472/TE.2015.3.3.002
Andriyanto Hasan, Abdul Rahmat, Y. N. (2021). Dampak game online Mobile Legends terhadap perilaku sosial remaja. Student Journal of Community Empowerment, 1(1), 1–13.
Bani, M., & Masruddin, M. (2021). Development of Android-based harmonic oscillation pocket book for senior high school students. JOTSE: Journal of Technology and Science Education, 11(1), 93-103.
Chen, H., et al. (2020). The impact of a serious game on vocabulary and content learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 33(7), 811–832. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2019.1593197
Cornillez Jr, E. E. C., de Los Santos, J. R., & Vicente, Jr. (2020). Mobile games and academic performance of university students. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 9(4), 4788–4793. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijitee.A4788.029420
Dai, J., Gu, X., & Zhu, J. (2022). Personalized recommendation in the adaptive learning system: The role of adaptive testing technology. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61(3), 523–545. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331211065384
Dananjaya, A., et al. (2019). Students’ perception on online game Mobile Legends for vocabulary development. ELLITE Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching, 4(2), 53–58.
Dujardin, E., Auphan, P., Bailloud, N., Ecalle, J., & Magnan, A. (2021). Tools and teaching strategies for vocabulary assessment and instruction: A review. Social Education Research, 2(1), 34–50. https://doi.org/10.37256/ser.212021634
E. Prastius, Rachmawan, J., Carlie, J. K., & Rino. (2020). Pengaruh game online terhadap kemampuan berbahasa Inggris. CBIS: Computer Based Information System Journal, 8(2), 29–36.
Lestari, S., Nurjanah, S. A., & Indriani, W. (2021). Application of Albert Bandura’s social learning theory in PAI learning at Al-Wafa Ciwidey SMP Bandung. ALSYS, 2(1), 14–23.
Masruddin, M., & Nasriandi, N. (2022). Lexical and Syntactical Errors Performed by Junior High School Student in Writing Descriptive Text. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 10(1), 1094-1100.
Mayer, R. E. (2015). On the need for research evidence to guide the design of computer games for learning. Educational Psychologist, 50(4), 349–353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2015.1133307
Michael, C. (2021, September 29). Mobile Legends: Bang Bang details its Project NEXT update, launches 5th anniversary celebration event. Dot Esports. https://dotesports.com/mobile/news/mobile-legends-bang-bang-project-next-5th-anniversary
Nurhaliza, S., & Fakhurriana, R. (2023). Students’ perception towards the use of “Cake Application” as a medium to increase vocabulary knowledge. Indonesian Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research, 3(1), 45–55.
Panjeti-Madan, V. N., & Ranganathan, P. (2023). Impact of screen time on children's development: Cognitive, language, physical, and social and emotional domains. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 7(52), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/mti7070052
Reinders, H., & Wattana, S. (2014). Can I say something? The effects of digital game play on willingness to communicate. Language Learning & Technology, 18(2), 101–123.
Romadhon. (2022). Penggunaan istilah dalam game Mobile Legends dan pengaruhnya terhadap bahasa pemain. Jurnal Bahasa dan Media, 5(2), 210–219.
Yudha, H. T., et al. (2021). The analysis of game usage for senior high school students to improve their vocabulary mastery. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 2(2), 74–79.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mifta Farid, Muh. Tahir, Iskandar, Muhammad Arham, Agus Salim Jirong
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See the Effect of Open Access)
