Exploring the Role of Generative AI in Enhancing Language Learning: Opportunities and Challenges
Open accessAbstract
Contemporary advances in generative AI technology have sparked considerable interest regarding its application in language education. This article explores the innovative impact that AI-powered linguistic educational tools may have, such as customized learning journeys, dynamic content, and individualized feedback mechanisms, which collectively have the potential to enhance language acquisition. At the same time, it is important to recognize the constraints associated with such technologies. Concern about maintaining precision and genuineness within AI-crafted language texts is an issue in the literature. There is also caution about AI’s current inclination to standardize language expression and to propagate limited cultural narratives, alongside the risks of overreliance on technology which may diminish analytical thought and inventiveness. This article examines the ethical considerations involving generative AI, such as the authenticity of creative work and the ownership of intellectual output. Emphasizing the necessity for clarity and conscientiousness in the application of AI, this conceptual article outlines the opportunities, limitations, and ethical concerns associated with generative AI in language instruction. This article advocates for a well-rounded strategy that leverages the positive aspects of generative AI within language education, while also addressing possible drawbacks and championing an ethical and equitable approach to language learning in the emerging AI-centric digital landscape. A model for forging thinking in this new research and practice space is offered to synthesize many of the possibilities of generative AI in language education.
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Reviews targeting language education typically focus on potential benefits, affordances, challenges, future directions, attitudes, and overview of current state.
“Reviews targeting language education typically focus on the potential benefits, affordances, challenges, future directions for AI applications, attitudes toward AI, and an overview of the current state of research.”
From Generative AI in Language Education: Bridging Divide and Fostering Inclusivity (2025) · cites this paper as Creely, 2024
The Abstract and Section 3 describe this conceptual article’s focus on benefits, affordances, limitations, and ethical challenges of generative AI in language education. They do not establish what reviews in the field typically cover, and the cited passages do not show this article examining attitudes toward AI or surveying the current state of research. (LLM, conf=0.82)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredReviews targeting language education do not concentrate exclusively on how GenAI can be leveraged to narrow educational gaps and promote inclusivity in language education.
“However, they do not concentrate exclusively on how GenAI can be leveraged to narrow educational gaps and promote inclusivity in language education-an area that warrants further exploration.”
From Generative AI in Language Education: Bridging Divide and Fostering Inclusivity (2025) · cites this paper as Creely, 2024
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“Generative AI could be a catalyst for a significant transformation inhowfeedbackisprovided(Baidoo-Anu&Ansah,2023;Qadir,2023; Su & Yang, 2023).”
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“Furthermore, the establishment of a transparent evaluation system could substantiate the authenticity of work for assessment, effectively differentiating between creativity from students and AI-assisted production (Crawford et al., 2023).”
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“However, a recent empirical case study by Kohnke et al. (2023) points to the need for specific and targeted education in using generative AI for instructors (and their students), such as prompt engineering and redesigning learning for the new AI environments.”
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“For example, AI can provide real-time guidance and corrections for non-native speakers (Woo & Choi, 2021) or deliver culturally relevant educational experiences to second language learners (Creely, 2024).”
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- Authors
- Creely, E.
- Affiliations
- Monash University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Creely, Edwin
- ORCID
- Creely, Edwin
- Venue
- International Journal of Changes in Education
- Publisher
- Modestum Ltd
- Published
- 2024-08-27
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 158-167
- ISSN
- 3029-133X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4393392363
- Cited by
- 113
- References
- 15
- Citations by year
- 2026: 47 · 2025: 58 · 2024: 8
- FWCI
- 42.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- International Journal of Changes in Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Monash University Research Portal (Monash University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
- Keywords
- generative AI, language learning, language teaching, personalized learning, AI-generated content, language standardization, cultural representation, technology dependence, creativity, AI ethics, intellectual property, equity in language education
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