Enhancing Local Language Education through Virtual Reality: A Policy Perspective on EFL Vocabulary Acquisition in Chinese Universities

In the context of globalization, Chinese citizens are increasingly pursuing English as a specialized foreign language course to better engage in global social, economic, and political contexts. However, limited vocabulary remains a significant challenge for foreign language learners. This study explores the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vocabulary acquisition among Chinese university students, analyzing its effects through the lens of Bloom's Taxonomy. Using a qualitative research approach with a case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with EFL students to understand their experiences with VR-based learning. The findings indicate that VR significantly enhances vocabulary acquisition by facilitating cognitive processes from lower to higher orders. This study highlights VR's potential to transform local language education by providing immersive, interactive, and context-rich learning experiences. The results also offer insights for local educational policymakers on integrating cutting-edge technologies into language curricula. Future research should expand the sample size and control for variability in VR exposure to further investigate the long-term effects of VR on EFL vocabulary acquisition.