Psycholinguistic Language Learning Digital Novel

Project Overview

This interactive visual novel applies evidence-based psycholinguistic principles to enhance English communication skills among Japanese high school students. By embedding language learning within familiar school environments and peer interactions, the game creates optimal conditions for natural language acquisition while reducing anxiety and increasing engagement.

Project Details

Timeline: 2022–2023 Academic Year
Location: Sogo High School, Chiba, Japan
Target Audience: High School Students (Ages 15-18)
Platform: Ren'Py (Python-based)

Key Game Features

8+ Different Endings - Multiple story paths based on player choices
Diverse Characters - Japanese classmates and international students
Real School Locations - Authentic photos from students' actual high school
Natural Dialogue - Age-appropriate conversations reflecting real teen interactions
Replayability - Explore different choices to practice language in varied contexts

Feature: Environment Setting

The environment is based on a realistic, animated-style image of the school’s actual location. The site is well known among anime fans, as it is associated with Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. (My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected, 2013), commonly known as Oregairu, created by a graduate of the same school.

School Setting — Reference image is publicly available and used for non-commercial, illustrative purposes only.

Methodology: The Psychology Behind the Design

The project is grounded in four established psycholinguistic theories that directly inform its structure and learning experience.

1. Willingness to Communicate (WTC)

Learners speak more when they feel socially comfortable and contextually secure.

Application: Students interact with same-age peers in familiar school settings, increasing confidence and voluntary English use.

2. Schema Theory

Familiar contexts reduce cognitive load and support comprehension.

Application: Real school locations and everyday situations allow students to focus on language, not interpreting unfamiliar scenarios.

3. Input Hypothesis (i+1)

Language acquisition occurs when input is slightly above the learner's current level.

Application: Dialogue blends known structures with new expressions supported by context and repetition.

4. Affective Filter

Anxiety and fear inhibit language acquisition.

Application: Private, choice-based gameplay lowers stress and encourages experimentation without social risk.

Development Process

Student Input: Surveyed students about their interests and comfort with different social scenarios
Environmental Design: Photographed school locations students interact with daily
Dialogue Writing: Created conversations using vocabulary from their curriculum plus contextualized new phrases
Coding Instruction: Taught students basic Python/Ren'Py to understand game mechanics
Playtesting: Iteratively refined based on student feedback and engagement patterns

Story Branching Structure

Learning Outcomes & Results

Vocabulary Growth: Students acquired contextual vocabulary through repeated exposure in meaningful scenarios, with measurable improvements in retention compared to traditional methods
Reading Comprehension: Familiar contexts enabled focus on language processing rather than situation interpretation, leading to faster comprehension speeds
Communication Confidence: Low-pressure game environment significantly increased willingness to engage with English content both in-game and in classroom discussions
Practical Application: Dialogue reflected real peer interactions, preparing students for authentic communication situations they encounter daily
Technical Skills: Students learned basic Python programming and game development concepts, with several continuing independent projects
Sustained Engagement: Multiple story paths encouraged repeated play and language pattern reinforcement, with students voluntarily replaying 3-5 times on average

Technical Summary

Programming Languages

Python (Ren'Py Scripting)
HTML/CSS (for web integration)

Software & Libraries

Ren'Py Visual Novel Engine
GIMP (Image Editing)
Audacity (Audio Editing)

Development Tools

Visual Studio Code (Code Editor)
GitHub (Version Control)
Itch.io (Game Distribution)

Play the Game

Experience the game firsthand or explore the source code to see how psycholinguistic principles were implemented in the game design.

Play on Itch.io View Source Code Watch YouTube Walkthrough

Educational Use Notice
All images and sound effects are royalty-free or created specifically for this educational project. Student participation was voluntary with appropriate institutional consent. When using or citing this work in educational contexts, please acknowledge the theoretical frameworks and pedagogical approaches described above.