Virtual Reality in Language Learning: A Literature Review of Empirical Studies in Recent Ten Years

Abstract

In the past decade, the application of virtual reality (VR) in language learning has attracted increasing attentions in the field of computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This research systematically reviewed 55 empirical studies focusing on the application of VR in language learning published by 11 high impact journals in and beyond China over the past decade (2010- 2019). A coding scheme and analytic framework was defined to systematically analyze the general publication trends, including publication numbers, target languages, and research methods. Moreover, we summarized seven main research themes and analyzed the affordances and challenges of the VR applications in language learning. This systematic literature review fulfilled the need to map the current research status, and it also provided some insights for future research and development of VR in the field of CALL.