Second Life as a Third Place for English Language Learners' Cross-Cultural Interaction

Language learners increasingly turn to virtual environments in order to overcome physical and geographical barriers that separate learners from target language cultures. Virtual environments that feature interactivity, physicality, and persistence allow language learners to participate in field trips, communication exchanges, and formal and informal training sessions. However, although virtual environments can provide valuable cross-cultural experiences, these experiences can be difficult to replicate. The enormity of virtual worlds, time zone differences, and language barriers complicate access to members of the target culture. Virtual environments experiences planned in accordance to third place theory may be ideal venues for cross-cultural interaction. This study explores how English language learners perceive cross-cultural interaction within planned, virtual exchange sessions.