“Harassment and Discrimination in eSports” as part of the program “Professionally Oriented Foreign Language” for the specialty “eSports”

Abstract

In the article "Harassment and Discrimination in eSports" as part of the program "Professionally Oriented Foreign Language" for the specialty "Cybersport," the current issue of harassment and discrimination in the field of esports, which is an important component of the educational program for master's degree students in "Cybersport," is examined. The author analyzes various forms of discrimination and harassment encountered by participants in electronic sports competitions, including gender inequality, racial discrimination, and discrimination based on sexual orientation. Furthermore, the reasons why this topic should be included in the curriculum of the discipline are discussed, as eSports, being an international arena, involves interaction among participants from different countries, where knowledge of foreign languages plays a crucial role in communication and cooperation among players, coaches, and fans. Studying foreign languages in the context of eSports, especially through the discussion of ethical issues such as discrimination and harassment, not only contributes to cross-cultural understanding and the development of international problem-solving strategies but is also important for professional growth and the development of dialogue and critical thinking skills. This prepares students for an international career, expands professional horizons, and promotes the creation of an inclusive environment in the eSports industry. Such an approach improves team interaction and contributes to the positive development of the entire industry, and incorporating the topic of combating harassment and discrimination in eSports into the "Professionally Oriented Foreign Language" program will promote the social responsibility and ethical behavior of student-cyber athletes. The development and implementation of educational programs and trainings to increase awareness of the negative consequences of harassment and to foster respect are key to creating a safe and inclusive environment in eSports.