THE ROLE OF GAMIFICATION IN DEVELOPING ENGLISH VOCABULARY

Learning new words is one of the hardest and most boring parts of learning English for many students. Gamification means using elements of games, such as points, levels, badges, challenges and teams, in activities that are not games. This article looks at how gamification can help learners build English vocabulary. It is based on a review of well-known studies and reviews published between 2008 and 2023. The findings show that gamified activities usually raise learners' motivation, give them more chances to repeat and recall words, and make classes more active. The best results come when game elements support real learning, such as spaced repetition and using words in context, and not when they only add points and prizes. The article ends with simple, practical advice for English teachers.