Learning Foreign Languages by Adults Using Immersive Virtual Reality Systems: Review of Recent Studies (2014-2024)

In the accelerating dynamics of the modern world, many people refuse traditional methods of foreign language learning in the classroom in favor of modern digital technologies, such as immersive virtual reality (iVR). iVR produces a multisensory flow, which makes learning process more efficient, interesting and faster. However, the long-term effect of application iVR technology to foreign language learning is still not well investigated. In this work, we conducted a literature search on the presence of a formative experiment aimed at acquiring a second language in iVR by adults without clinical complications. Data extraction was carried out from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed databases according to a query “((VIRTUAL REALITY) OR (IMMERSIVE REALITY)) AND (LANGUAGE AND LEARNING)) AND PUBYEAR>2014”. As a result, from the 783 scientific sources 18 experimental works were selected (2,3%). These experimental works were classified on the orientation of the iVR simulator into language skills, listening skills, memorizing words, and social interaction. Of the 18 experimental studies, 10 showed a positive effect from the use of iVR in learning a foreign language, the remaining 8 studies did not contain estimates of the effect.