AI-Assisted Foreign Language Learning: Benefits, Challenges, Influencing Factors and Trends

Abstract

This study investigates the benefits, challenges, influencing factors and trends of AI- assisted foreign language learning (AI-AFLL) based on the grounded theory. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data and 27 students participated in the interviews. The results show that AI has brought many benefits to foreign language learning, including personalized learning implementation, diverse learning resource availability, smart learning analytics and monitoring, innovative situational construction, learning efficacy improvement, intrinsic motivation activation, and resource equity and mobility promotion. Besides, some challenges still exist including immature technology, safety issues, students’ over-reliance, cost, and social alienation of communicative competence. Technological factors, environmental support, individual factors and cost exert significant influence on AI-AFLL. In the future, AI will be more deeply integrated into foreign language learning, providing more scientific guidance to students. This study provides educators, policymakers, and developers recommendations on leveraging AI’s potential and simultaneously mitigating its risks, and promoting AI-AFLL to enhance students’ foreign language abilities and learning efficacy.