AI into Foreign Language Learning: Pathways to Innovation and the Challenge of Integrity

Abstract

Abstract—Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of foreign language education, offering new pathways for learner engagement, instructional innovation, and teacher development. This presentation synthesizes recent empirical and review studies on the integration of generative AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, into foreign language learning and teacher education. Findings demonstrate that AI-mediated instruction enhances language achievement, supports self-regulated learning, and fosters learner motivation through personalized feedback and authentic conversational practice. Systematic reviews further reveal that AI is increasingly embedded in teacher training programs, prompting both pedagogical opportunities and critical discussions around ethics, assessment, and professional preparedness. In addition, teaching on computer-assisted language learning (CALL) highlights AI’s role in customizing instruction and expanding access to language resources. On the contrary, the systematic unwise exploitation of AI raising questions when it comes to ethics and the creation of a lazy generation. Recapitulating, these findings reveal that AI has significant promise in store for advancing foreign language learning and teaching, though challenges remain in ensuring equitable access, maintaining academic integrity, and preparing educators to critically integrate AI into their syllabus. This synthesis contributes to emerging debates about the future of language education in an era of smart technology.