Visualising the Landscape of Immersive Mobile Technologies in English Language Development: A Global Bibliometric Analysis (2020–2025)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v20i06.58491

Keywords:

educational technology, English language development, immersive education, inclusive education, sociocultural theory

Abstract


Immersion technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and game-based environments have emerged as a transformative approach to young learners’ English language development (ELD). This study maps global research on immersive English language development for young learners through a bibliometric analysis of 312 Scopus-indexed publications from 2020 to 2025. Using VOSviewer, co-citation and co-occurrence analyses identified key authors, institutions, journals, clusters, and research hotspots. The results indicate a significant increase in publications following the COVID-19 pandemic. Most research is produced in Asia, particularly in China, while contributions from Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East remain relatively limited. This indicates a significant imbalance in global research. Co-occurrence analysis highlights gaps between technological innovation and human-centered pedagogy, whereas co-citation analysis shows convergence between sociocultural theories and digital pedagogies. The study highlights the need for inclusive immersive learning ecosystems that support Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education. The paper concludes by suggesting directions for future research on immersive English learning for young learners, particularly in low-resource regions.

Author Biographies

Lim Seong Pek, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Lim Seong Pek is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University. He received his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) degree from Universiti Selangor. He specialises in Media and Digital Literacy, Multimodality and Teacher Education. He can be contacted at email: seongpek.lim@newinti.edu.my

Rita Wong Mee Mee, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rita Wong Mee Mee is a TESL Lecturer at the Centre for Language at the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM). She received her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) degree from Universiti Selangor. She specializes in Materials Development, Game-Based Learning, and Early Childhood Literacy. She can be contacted at email: ritawong@upnm.edu.my

Fatin Syamilah Che Yob, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fatin Syamilah Che Yob is an English Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University. She specializes in TESL, Social Emotional Learning, Materials Design, and Gamified Studies. She can be contacted at email: fatinsyamilah.cheyob@newinti.edu.my

Khairul Firdaus Ne'matullah, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; University College MAIWP International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Khairul Firdaus Ne’matullah is currently the Director at the Faculty of General Studies and Foundation, University College MAIWP International (UCMI). He specialises in Aural-Oral Skills and Phonetics Development. He can be contacted at: khairulfirdaus@ucmi.edu.my.

M. Zaini Miftah, Universitas Islam Negeri Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

M. Zaini Miftah is an assistant professor at the Department of English Language Education of Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palangka Raya Kalimantan Tengah Indonesia with many years of experience in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language. He is interested in the development of ELT, TEFL, L2 Writing, Blended Learning, and ICT-based ELT. He can be contacted at email: m.zaini.miftah@uin-palangkaraya.ac.id

Ali Derahvasht, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Ali Derahvasht is attached to Iran University of Medical Sciences. He serves the Accreditation and University World Ranking department. He holds a PhD in Education (TESL) from the University of Malaya, Malaysia. He can be contacted at email: aliderahvasht@yahoo.com

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2026-03-31

How to Cite

Pek, L. S., Mee, R. W. M., Yob, F. S. C., Ne’matullah, K. F., Miftah, M. Z., & Derahvasht, A. (2026). Visualising the Landscape of Immersive Mobile Technologies in English Language Development: A Global Bibliometric Analysis (2020–2025). International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 20(06), pp. 54–73. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v20i06.58491

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Vol. 20 No. 06 (2026)

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Papers

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Copyright (c) 2026 Lim Seong Pek, Rita Wong Mee Mee, Fatin Syamilah Che Yob, Khairul Firdaus Ne'matullah, M. Zaini Miftah, Ali Derahvasht

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