Virtual Reality: A tool to study language evolution

Abstract

This chapter introduces immersive Virtual Reality (VR) as a ground-breaking tool that enables researchers to experimentally study language and communication in rich, multimodal, and interactive settings. We discuss VR technologies, key concepts, and their advantages over traditional experimental approaches for examining behaviour and processing. To demonstrate VR's potential, we review existing studies from fields such as psycholinguistics and primatology, and discuss prospective experiments that can leverage the unique balance of ecological validity and experimental control in both realistic and imaginary virtual worlds. We present a case study on the evolution of spatial language, showcasing how VR experiments can clarify the role of environmental factors in shaping spatial Frames of Reference. As VR technology becomes increasingly accessible, we argue that it will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of language evolution and its interactions with cognitive, social, and environmental factors.