GAMIFICATION OF GUJARATI PROVERBS (કહેવતો) TO ENHANCE CONTEXTUAL WORD USAGE

Abstract

Gujarati proverbs (કહેવતો) are a vital part of the language's cultural and linguistic heritage, encapsulating wisdom and traditional values. However, their teaching in contemporary Gujarati language education, particularly for young learners, often relies on rote memorization, leading to a lack of contextual understanding and practical application. This study investigates the effectiveness of gamification in enhancing the comprehension and usage of Gujarati proverbs among students. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, data was collected from a sample of 142 Class 5 students from four schools in Ahmedabad. The experimental group engaged with a custom-designed digital game, "કહેવત ક્રાંતિ" (Proverb Revolution), while the control group received traditional instruction. Findings indicate a significant improvement in proverb comprehension, retention, and contextual usage among the experimental group. The results underscore the potential of gamified learning tools in enriching regional language education and preserving cultural idioms.