Immersive technology in English language learning: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis, drawing on data from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection, explores the expanding role of immersive technologies in English language education. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have shown strong potential to improve learner motivation, engagement, and communicative competence, yet their integration into formal English language settings remains uneven. By analyzing 248 peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2025, this study finds significant trends, influential contributors, and emerging areas of interest within the field. The findings show a steady increase in publications and citations, reflecting growing recognition of the educational value of immersive environments. Prominent themes include emotional engagement, lowered language anxiety, and improved performance in vocabulary, speaking, listening, and cultural understanding. Much of the literature underlines authentic and situated learning, VR-based interactive environments, VR-supported problem-based learning, and AR-assisted vocabulary development. The analysis also identifies leading countries, with China and the United States producing the largest share of research, a pattern supported by strong institutional participation worldwide. These insights help guide educators and policymakers as they consider how to bring immersive technologies into English instruction. The study also establishes a foundation for future research on effective, engaging, and sustainable immersive language learning practices. Overall, these findings clarify how research on immersive technologies in English language education has evolved between 2021 and 2025 and identify influential studies and key contributors. They also point to persisting gaps, such as equity, teacher readiness, and cognitive-load–informed design, that warrant further investigation.