Virtual Reality and Arabic Language Learning: A Global Systematic Literature Review

Roby Kavin Ahmad Fawwaz Ziafia; Mohammad Ahsanuddin; Moh. Fery Fauzi; Keysha Wahyu Kinanthi; M. Alifudin Ikhsan; Mi Guangli

doi:10.32332/an-nabighoh.v28i1.253-276

Authors

Roby Kavin Ahmad Fawwaz Ziafia State University of Malang https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9276-7325
Mohammad Ahsanuddin State University of Malang
Moh. Fery Fauzi State University of Malang
Keysha Wahyu Kinanthi State University of Malang
M. Alifudin Ikhsan Yogyakarta State University
Mi Guangli Shandong Youth University of Political Science

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32332/an-nabighoh.v28i1.253-276

Keywords:

Arabic Language Learning, Immersive Learning, Systematic Literature Review, Virtual Reality

Abstract

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) has recently gained attention in language education. It offers interactive, immersive, and contextual learning experiences that cannot be provided by traditional learning media. Despite this growing interest, the use and development of virtual reality in Arabic language learning remains limited and severely underexplored. Research Objectives: This study aims to synthesize the current state of virtual reality as it relates to Arabic language learning. Methodology: This study was conducted using PRISMA 2020 to make a systematic literature review. Studies were collected with a range of publications from 2021 to 2025, sourced from five different databases. The studies were filtered using the built-in filter of the respective databases and screened further by the author. The methodological quality of these studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Six studies met the criteria for analysis and synthesis. The limited number of articles shows that current VR-based Arabic language learning has an imited focus. Different forms of technology were deployed and designed, including self-developed tools and external sources. Participants reported clear benefits and limitations of the virtual reality utilization. Unique Contribution: This review contributes to mapping VR-based Arabic language learning media according to targeted skills, educational context, technological approaches, and methodological limitations, thereby offering a structured research agenda for future immersive Arabic language instruction. Conclusion: The review showed that virtual reality in Arabic language learning remains developmental and has yet to be utilized further. The main aspect of further development needs to be conducted in the long term and on a wider scale and range. Recommendations: Further research should deploy gamification and LLM to implement personalized learning. Future research should prioritize the implementation of rigorous, longitudinal research designs, aim to develop a broader range of language skills, and incorporate diverse educational environments and learner populations.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Roby Kavin Ahmad Fawwaz Ziafia, State University of Malang

Roby Kavin Ahmad Fawwaz Ziafia is a bachelor’s degree candidate in Arabic Language Education at Universitas Negeri Malang. He previously taught Arabic language at Nurul Huda Islamic Boarding School Singosari, Malang, East Java. His research interests are in Arabic Language Learning and learning media development and utilization. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Mohammad Ahsanuddin, State University of Malang

Mohammad Ahsanuddin is a lecturer at Universitas Negeri Malang, specializing in learning media development. He holds a doctorate in Arabic Language Education from Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang. Currently, he is the head of the Arabic Language Education study program at Universitas Negeri Malang. Mohammad Ahsanuddin has extensive experience in learning media, with a particular focus on Arabic Language Learning Technology. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Moh. Fery Fauzi, State University of Malang

Moh. Fery Fauzi is a lecturer at Universitas Negeri Malang, specializing in media development. He holds a Master’s in Arabic Language Education from Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang. Currently, he is a lecturer at Universitas Negeri Malang, focusing on virtual reality learning media development. Moh. Fery Fauzi has extensive experience in learning media, with a particular focus on research and development of virtual reality. In addition to his research, Moh. Fery Fauzi is actively involved in teaching, serving as a tutor at Darul Faqih, Malang. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Keysha Wahyu Kinanthi, State University of Malang

Keysha Wahyu Kinanthi is a student at Universitas Negeri Malang, specializing in learning media development. She holds a Bachelor’s in Arabic Language Education from Universitas Negeri Malang. Currently, she is a lecturer at Santri Privat Malang. Her research interests are in Arabic Language Learning and learning media development and utilization. She can be contacted at [email protected].
M. Alifudin Ikhsan, Yogyakarta State University

M. Alifudin Ikhsan is a lecturer at Universitas Brawijaya, specializing in civic education. He holds a Master’s in civic education from Universitas Negeri Malang. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, focusing on the Islamic value of the national code. M. Alifudin Ikhsan has extensive experience in civic education, with a particular focus on Islamic value of the national code. In addition to his research, M. Alifuddin Ikhsan is actively involved in teaching, serving as head of institution at Darul Faqih, Malang. He can be contacted at [email protected] and [email protected].
Mi Guangli, Shandong Youth University of Political Science

Mi Guangli is a lecturer at Shandong Youth University of Political Science, specializing in Arabic Literature. He holds a Ph.D in Arabic Language from Sultan Abdul Malik Muadzam Shah International Islamic University. Mi Guangli has extensive experience in Arabic Language Education, with a particular focus on curriculum development. He can be contacted at [email protected].

References

Alhawsawi, Sajjadllah, and Faten Alzaid. “Systematic Review of Virtual Reality’s Uses on Vocabulary Learning in Higher Education.” Smart Learning Environments 12, no. 1 (2025): 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-025-00414-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-025-00414-0

Ali Syed, Toqeer, Sohail Khan, Salman Jan, and Mohammad Nauman. “Revolutionizing Arabic Learning: GNT and AI-Enhanced Metaverse Environments.” Frontiers in Computer Science 7 (September 2025): 1626092. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1626092.

Almelhes, Sultan. “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Artificial Intelligence and Its Utilization in Arabic Learning.” In Proceedings of The 11th International Conference on Frontiers of Educational Technologies 2025, edited by Anu Gokhale. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. Springer Nature Singapore, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2521-8_16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2521-8_16

Avcu, Yunus Emre, and Yavuz Yaman. “The Effect of Virtual Reality (VR) Settings on Nature Relatedness and Attitudes Towards Environment in Gifted Students.” Journal of Science Education and Technology 34, no. 2 (2025): 327–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-024-10194-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-024-10194-w

Awang Ali, Mohammad Amnan, and Mohd. Feham Md Ghalib. “Developing Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Learning Arabic Grammar: An Insight on Needs Analysis for Arabic-VR Application.” Ulum Islamiyyah 36, no. 03 (2024): 15–25. https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.vol36no03.601. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.vol36no03.601

Barkahoum, Tria, and Guellal Fatima. “Integrating Extended Reality (XR) Technologies in the Analysis of Arabic Sounds and the Teaching of Articulation Points: A Contemporary Digital Approach.” Lex Localis - Journal of Local Self-Government 23, no. 11 (2025): 2721–30. https://doi.org/10.52152/kqmx6b33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52152/kqmx6b33

Cowie, Neil, and Mehrasa Alizadeh. “Virtual Reality for Language Learning.” ELT Journal, July 4, 2025, ccaf025. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccaf025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccaf025

De Back, Tycho T., Angelica M. Tinga, and Max M. Louwerse. “CAVE-Based Immersive Learning in Undergraduate Courses: Examining the Effect of Group Size and Time of Application.” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education 18, no. 1 (2021): 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00288-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00288-5

Deng, Yuting, Yanling Zhang, and Ruibin Zhao. “Investigating Learning Behaviors in Desktop-Based Simulated and vr Headset-Based Immersive 3D Learning Environments: A Cross-Media Comparative Study.” Education and Information Technologies 30, no. 11 (2025): 15441–65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13411-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13411-0

Farhan, Ali, and Asep Sopian. “Ta’tsir al-wasilah as-sam’iyyah al-bashariyyah fi ta’allum maharah al-istima’ li al-lughah al-’arabiyyah ’ala mukhtalif al-mustawayat.” Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language 8, no. 2 (2024). https://journal2.um.ac.id/index.php/alarabi/article/view/56285.

Feng, Shihui, Xin Xu, Shanghao Li, Ze Li, and David Gibson. “Is Metaverse a Buzzword in Education? Insights from a Systematic Review.” Educational Technology Research and Development 72, no. 6 (2024): 3349–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10398-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10398-2

Haboussi, Samia, Nourredine Oukas, Taha Zerrouki, and Halima Djettou. “Arabic Speech Recognition Using Neural Networks: Concepts, Literature Review and Challenges.” Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Applied Sciences, ahead of print, February 11, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43994-025-00213-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43994-025-00213-w

Hatab, Wafa Abu, Wala’a Abuzir, and Mohammed Al-Badawi. “A Cross-Linguistic Investigation of Consonant and Vowel Distinctive Features: A Comparative Analysis between English and Arabic Sounds.” In Business Resilience and Business Innovation for Sustainability, vol. 587, edited by Abdalmuttaleb M. A. Musleh Al-Sartawi, Abdulnaser Ibrahim Nour, and Islam Abdeljawad. Studies in Systems, Decision and Control. Springer Nature Switzerland, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87584-7_93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87584-7_93

Hatab, Wafa Abu, Wala’a Abuzir, and Mohammed Al-Badawi. “The Difference Between Motion Verbs Behavior in English and Arabic.” In Business Resilience and Business Innovation for Sustainability, vol. 587, edited by Abdalmuttaleb M. A. Musleh Al-Sartawi, Abdulnaser Ibrahim Nour, and Islam Abdeljawad. Studies in Systems, Decision and Control. Springer Nature Switzerland, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87584-7_84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87584-7_84

Hong, Quan Nha, Sergi Fàbregues, Gillian Bartlett, et al. “The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) Version 2018 for Information Professionals and Researchers.” Education for Information 34, no. 4 (2018): 285–91. https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-180221. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-180221

Hong, Xiaoqing, and Li Guo. “Effects of AI-Enhanced Multi-Display Language Teaching Systems on Learning Motivation, Cognitive Load Management, and Learner Autonomy.” Education and Information Technologies 30, no. 12 (2025): 17155–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13472-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13472-1

Huang, Chiao Ling, Yi Fang Luo, Shu Ching Yang, Chia Mei Lu, and An-Sing Chen. “Influence of Students’ Learning Style, Sense of Presence, and Cognitive Load on Learning Outcomes in an Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Environment.” Journal of Educational Computing Research 58, no. 3 (2020): 596–615. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633119867422. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633119867422

Humayrah, Alifka Humayrah, Moh. Ismail, and Mannar Thalia. “Application of Virtual Reality Via the Delightex Platform for Enhancing Proficiency in Arabic Speaking Skills.” Al-Ta’rib : Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab IAIN Palangka Raya 13, no. 2 (2025): 443–60. https://doi.org/10.23971/altarib.v13i2.10556. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23971/altarib.v13i2.10556

Lai, Cheng-Ji. “Enhancing Multimodal Output in CLIL Education: The Impact of VR Games on Fourth-Grade Students’ English Poster Designs and Presentations in Taiwan.” Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 11, no. 1 (2024): 1465. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03999-y. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03999-y

Lampropoulos, Georgios and Kinshuk. “Virtual Reality and Gamification in Education: A Systematic Review.” Educational Technology Research and Development 72, no. 3 (2024): 1691–785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10351-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10351-3

Lin, Yu-Ju, and Hung-chun Wang. “Using Virtual Reality to Facilitate Learners’ Creative Self-Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation in an EFL Classroom.” Education and Information Technologies 26, no. 4 (2021): 4487–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10472-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10472-9

Marougkas, Andreas, Christos Troussas, Akrivi Krouska, and Cleo Sgouropoulou. “An Adaptive Virtual Reality Game for Programming Education Using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and Pedagogical Models.” Smart Learning Environments 12, no. 1 (2025): 62. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-025-00392-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-025-00392-3

Mohsen, Mohammed Ali, and Tahani Salman Alangari. “Analyzing Two Decades of Immersive Technology Research in Education: Trends, Clusters, and Future Directions.” Education and Information Technologies 29, no. 3 (2024): 3571–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11968-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11968-2

Ng, Davy Tsz Kit, Ross Chi Wui Ng, and Samuel Kai Wah Chu. “Engaging Students in Virtual Tours to Learn Language and Digital Literacy.” Journal of Computers in Education 10, no. 3 (2023): 575–602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00262-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00262-2

Nordin, Fitri Nurul’ain, Abdul Azim Mohamad Isa, Tg Ainul Farha Tg Abdul Rahman, and Fariz Azzuan Mat Suparia. “Immersive Learning for Arabic as a Foreign Language: A VR Game-Based Model for Vocabulary Acquisition.” International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science 9, no. 24 (2025): 688–700. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.924ILEIID0073. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.924ILEIID0073

Page, Matthew J., Joanne E. McKenzie, Patrick M. Bossuyt, et al. “The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews.” BMJ, March 29, 2021, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Pellas, Nikolaos, Stylianos Mystakidis, and Ioannis Kazanidis. “Immersive Virtual Reality in K-12 and Higher Education: A Systematic Review of the Last Decade Scientific Literature.” Virtual Reality 25, no. 3 (2021): 835–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-020-00489-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-020-00489-9

Radianti, Jaziar, Tim A. Majchrzak, Jennifer Fromm, and Isabell Wohlgenannt. “A Systematic Review of Immersive Virtual Reality Applications for Higher Education: Design Elements, Lessons Learned, and Research Agenda.” Computers & Education 147 (April 2020): 103778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778

Rhel, Haneh, and Dmitri Roussinov. “Large Language Models and Arabic Content: A Review.” Version 1. Preprint, arXiv, 2025. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2505.08004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-00232-7_26

Sadigzade, Zarifa. “Immersive and Gamified Approaches: VR/AR in Language Learning.” Porta Universorum 1, no. 6 (2025): 15–24. https://doi.org/10.69760/portuni.0106002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.69760/portuni.0106002

Salehi, Nafiseh. “Teaching Vocabulary with Augmented Reality: Voices from Junior High School English Teachers.” Discover Education 4, no. 1 (2025): 230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00673-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00673-6

Shen, Bin, Zhijie Wang, Xiaowen Zhong, Michael Yi Chao Jiang, and Morris Siu Yung Jong. “Can SVVR Help with Student Engagement in an Online EFL Writing Class? A Chinese Case Study.” Asia-Pacific Education Researcher 33, no. 4 (2024): 1011–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-023-00774-6.

Shen, Bin, Zhijie Wang, Xiaowen Zhong, Michael Yi-Chao Jiang, and Morris Siu-Yung Jong. “Can SVVR Help with Student Engagement in an Online EFL Writing Class? A Chinese Case Study.” The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher 33, no. 4 (2024): 1011–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-023-00774-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-023-00774-6

Sulaeman, Islamiyah, Syuhadak Syuhadak, and Insyirah Sulaeman. “ChatGPT as a New Frontier in Arabic Education Technology.” Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language 7, no. 1 (2023): 83. https://doi.org/10.17977/um056v7i1p83-105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17977/um056v7i1p83-105

Syafri, Norazman Bin Ahmat, and Saipolbarin bin Ramli. “Design Development of Arabic-Roman Transliteration Module with Virtual Reality Concept (eTARRiM) to Improve Primary School Students’ Arabic Reading Skills: Needs Analysis.” Journal of Electrical Systems 20, no. 4s (2024): 954–60. https://doi.org/10.52783/jes.2136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jes.2136

Syed, Toqeer Ali, Sohail Khan, Salman Jan, and Mohammad Nauman. “Revolutionizing Arabic Learning : GNT and AI-Enhanced Metaverse Environments.” Frontiers in Computer Science, no. September (2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1626092. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1626092

Tariq, Eefa Binte, and Hareem Ahmad. “The Use of Virtual Reality (VR) for Language Acquisition: A Comprehensive Analysis with Scientific and Practical Consequences.” American Journal of Education and Practice 9, no. 1 (2025): 22–31. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajep.2627. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47672/ajep.2627

Thrasher, Tricia, Dorothy Chun, Regina Kaplan-Rakowski, et al. “Implementing Large-Scale Virtual Reality in K-12 Education: A Report on Lessons Learned from Practice.” TechTrends 70, no. 2 (2026): 426–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01159-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01159-w

Vallarino, Mario, Rita Cersosimo, Ilaria Torre, and Gianni Vercelli. “Effects of Using Depth and Motion in Virtual Reality to Enhance Language Learning.” Virtual Reality 29, no. 3 (2025): 127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-025-01203-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-025-01203-3

Wang, Hsin-Yun, and Jerry Chih-Yuan Sun. “Real-Time Virtual Reality Co-Creation: Collective Intelligence and Consciousness for Student Engagement and Focused Attention within Online Communities.” Interactive Learning Environments 31, no. 6 (2023): 3422–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1928711. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1928711

Wen, Yun, Zongran Wang, and Xinyu Guo. “Trends and Applications of AI in Immersive Learning Environments: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research.” Interactive Learning Environments 34, no. 3 (2026): 1544–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2025.2524029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2025.2524029

Wu, Shu-Hao, Morris Siu-Yung Jong, and Chin-Chung Tsai. “Effects of Teacher-Developed Spherical Video-Based Virtual Reality Types on Student Learning Engagement: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Approach.” Education and Information Technologies 30, no. 7 (2025): 8847–76. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-13142-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-13142-8

Xie, Tao, Hanyu Zhang, and Yunong Yang. “Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Based upon Input Processing Model for Second Language Vocabulary Retention.” Education and Information Technologies 30, no. 9 (2025): 12365–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13333-x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13333-x

Yasmin, Niswah Hijja, Salma Hayati, Fithriani, and Fajriah. “The Development of Virtual Reality Media to Enhance Vocabulary Learning for Madrasah Ibtidaiyyah Students.” Jurnal Al-Fikrah 13, no. 2 (2024): 248–64. https://doi.org/10.54621/jiaf.v13i2.901. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54621/jiaf.v13i2.901

Zhang, Qi. “The Impact of Ludicization on Technology-Initiated and Learner-Initiated Interactions in Language Learning: A Person-Centered Approach Using LPA and One-Way ANCOVA.” Education and Information Technologies 30, no. 18 (2025): 26057–96. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13782-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13782-4

Zhou, Yalun, and Rahul Divekar. “Immersive, Task-Based Language Learning Through XR and AI: From Design Thinking to Deployment.” TechTrends 69, no. 2 (2025): 427–46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01048-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01048-2