Nurming Saleh, Idawati, Muhammad Akhir, Jerniati, Herianah
As global interaction becomes increasingly prevalent, foreign language education must extend beyond grammatical instruction to foster linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence. Conventional reading methods in foreign language classrooms often lack the interactive and cultural dimensions needed to fully engage learners. This study investigates the role of gamification in enhancing reading comprehension and cross-cultural communication among students learning German. Employing a convergent mixed-methods approach, the study gathered quantitative evidence through CEFR-aligned reading assessments and learner questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected via classroom observation and in-depth interviews. The findings revealed notable progress in student outcomes, with average scores reaching 85 for A2 learners and 88 for those at the B1 level. Additionally, 92% of respondents acknowledged enhanced cultural insights, and 83% reported greater enthusiasm and involvement during the lessons. These results highlight that well-designed gamified learning environments can promote effective language development and deeper intercultural sensitivity. By integrating culturally rich scenarios and interactive elements, gamification offers a promising strategy for nurturing communicative competence in diverse educational settings. © 2025 ACADEMY PUBLICATION.
State University of Makassar, Faculty of Language and Literature, Indonesia; State University of Makassar, Indonesia; Muhammadiyah University of Makassar, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Indonesia; Research Center for Language and Literature Preservation, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
