Methods for developing professional communication skills through bilingual approaches and gamification in universities

Abstract

This article analyzes effective methods combining bilingual approaches and gamification elements for developing professional communication skills in higher education contexts. First, it examines theoretical foundations of bilingualism – including communicative competence, Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) vs. Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), and translanguaging principles. Next, it explores practical methodological recommendations: CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), role‑play exercises, bilingual glossaries and parallel texts, code‑switching strategies, as well as gamification principles (game elements, point systems, leaderboards) to implement bilingual instruction. Each method is illustrated with examples and game components drawn from trial lessons, accompanied by precise guidelines for integrating them into lesson plans. The conclusion discusses the benefits of combining bilingual pedagogy and gamification, emerging pedagogical trends, and promising future directions. This article serves as a practical guide for teachers and methodologists seeking to effectively cultivate professional communication competencies and it includes different approaches to the teaching problems that may arise while teaching those dedicated groups of students.