Social interaction shapes and boosts second language learning: virtual reality can show us how

Abstract

Social interaction can play a crucial role in how a second language (L2) is learned. In the current review, we examine theoretical frameworks and empirical studies demonstrating how social factors influence L2 learning, but we also identify gaps in the current literature. We propose using virtual reality (VR) as a methodology to fill these gaps with controlled, ecologically valid social simulations that can elucidate how social factors shape L2 learning.