AR/VR/AI in Second Language Acquisition

Abstract

The present study explores the ways of using Virtual and Augmented Reality applications in the process of second language acquisition. In the article the concept of the second language acquisition in a broad sense refers to the learning of a nonnative language after the first language (that is the native language) has been learned, either in a naturalistic setting or in a formal classroom setting. The paper has argued that the most interesting way of using Virtual Reality programs is to imitate the socio-cultural reality of the language being studied, allowing the students to become participants in linguistic, cultural, socio-cultural or communicative situations. The paper depicts various Artificial Intelligence tools that have a significant impact not only on audio and visual perception, but also provide interaction, that results in more effective second language and culture acquisition. The article also analyzes the virtual presence in an interactive immediate situation, which allows the user to feel the reality of both the moment and the environment. Emotional Intelligence within the study is perceived as a kind of social intelligence that involves the power to observe one's own and others' emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use the data to guide one's thinking and actions, whereas the scope of Emotional Intelligence includes the verbal and nonverbal appraisal and expression of emotion, the regulation of emotion within the self and others, and therefore the utilization of emotional content in problem-solving. The review also observes possible ways to succeed in acquiring the second language by means of Virtual and Augmented Reality as well as to implement socio-cultural and linguistic competences in students’ future professional and personal communicative situations.