Virtual reality (VR) has shown considerable potential for supporting second-language vocabulary learning, while game-based and embodied approaches have also been associated with increased motivation, engagement, and retention. In Chinese language education, these affordances are especially promising because learners must acquire not only lexical meaning, but also tones, character forms, and culturally embedded idiomatic expressions.

Despite this progress, the pedagogical value of VR hand-tracking remains underexplored. Existing studies have examined immersive VR for language learning and embodied approaches to Chinese characters, yet limited research has investigated how controller-free hand tracking may support the learning of Chinese verbs and action-based chengyu through meaningful bodily interaction. The Research Questions of this study are:
(1) To what extend can VR hand-tracking educational game support learners’ understanding of verbs in Chinese?
(2) To what extend can VR hand-tracking educational game support learners’ embodied understanding of Chengyu (Chinese Idioms) that are action-based?
(3) Are there any differences in learners’ acquisition of tone, writing, and meaning when learning the above two types of vocabulary through a educational VR hand-tracking game?

This work-in-progress project adopts a mixed-methods design. A prototype VR educational game will be co-designed with Chinese teachers and developed in Unity. Learners at beginner, intermediate, and advanced proficiency levels will complete level-appropriate activities focusing on tones, hanzi, or chengyu. Data collection will include pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests, presence measures, an ARCS-based learning experience questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and teacher observations.

The project is expected to contribute empirical evidence on embodied Chinese language learning in VR, identify the affordances and limitations of hand tracking for educational language games, and generate preliminary design principles for future technology-enhanced Chinese learning tools and research.