English & Contract Bridge: A Content-Based Language Class

Abstract

Contract bridge is known around the world for being one of the most interesting and challenging card games. Although it has typically been considered to be a game, something done for fun in one’s free time, bridge has value beyond that of any ordinary game. It requires numerous high-level thinking skills including calculation, logic, memory, concentration, communication, inference, and ethics. In this paper, I will argue that bridge is beneficial not only in these areas, but also in the realm of language learning, as part of a content-based language classroom. After explaining the background and rules of bridge, I will show the justification for teaching bridge in an English classroom, and how a teacher might go about creating a syllabus and lesson plan. Finally, results of a student questionnaire will be discussed.