The Effectiveness of Board Games in Strengthening Oral Communication and Malaysian Cultural Knowledge

Abstract

Communication skills play a vital role in modern society, especially in a multicultural and multi-ethnic country like Malaysia. In the Malaysian context, which is rich in various languages, cultures, and histories, many individuals face challenges in communicating effectively and have limited knowledge of local cultures and geography. To address this issue, an interactive board game themed around Malaysian cultures was developed to enhance communication skills, improve cultural knowledge, and stimulate social interaction in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. This game focuses on three main objectives, namely to enhance participants' knowledge of Malaysian cultures through trivia questions, to encourage the use of language in oral communication, and to stimulate critical and creative thinking in social interactions. This study employs a descriptive approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. It was conducted at a public higher education institution in Melaka, with the participants consisting of diploma students. Data were collected through observations and questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of the board game on oral communication skills, knowledge of Malaysian cultures, and social interaction. The findings of the study indicate that the game successfully enhanced the participants' communication skills, enriched their knowledge of Malaysian cultures, and encouraged their positive social interaction. Furthermore, the informal learning approach applied proved to be effective and suitable for all levels of society, making it an effective alternative learning tool in the context of families, communities, corporations, and cultural tourism. Overall, this game method has proven effective in increasing individuals' interest and motivation towards the language and cultures of Malaysia, making it an innovative concept that can be adapted throughout the archipelago.