https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8943-5689
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ABSTRACT
Willingness to communicate (WTC) is considered to be an important factor contributing to successful foreign language learning. Many studies aim at finding effective tools for enhancing WTC. With the support of AI and Automatic Speech Recognition technology, intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) seem to have potentials in improving foreign language learners’ WTC. However, few empirical studies focus on the possible impact of IPAs on learners’ WTC. This study was conducted to investigate the potentials of an IPA, Google Assistant, for developing adolescent EFL learners’ WTC and their perceptions of IPAs for EFL learning. This study recruited 112 eighth-grade EFL learners who engaged in Google-Assistant-language-learning activities for two weeks. Two WTC questionnaires were administered at the beginning and end of the intervention. The results demonstrated that Google Assistant significantly promoted EFL learners’ WTC, enhanced communicative confidence, and reduced speaking anxiety. Analyses of interviews revealed that participants enjoyed playing games with Google Assistant and talking to chatbots, which helped them feel less anxious and motivated to use English for real and meaningful communication. The findings indicated that IPA-based interaction provided a less threatening environment, in which learners displayed higher levels of engagement, motivation, confidence, and, in turn, their WTC in the target language.
Acknowledgements
Funding for this research work is provided by Chinese Language and Technology Center of National Taiwan Normal University from The Featured Areas Research Center Program within the framework of the Higher Education Sprout Project by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan 109J1D0201.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Tzu-Yu Tai
Tzu Yu Tai is currently an Assistant Professor in the Center of Language Education, National Tsing Hua University. She also teaches English in Taipei Municipal Hong Dao Junior High School. Her research interests include CALL and TESOL.
Howard Hao-Jan Chen
Howard Hao-Jan Chen is a Professor in the Department of English, National Taiwan Normal University. He is also the President of English Teaching and Research Association (ETRA). His research interests include SLA, Technology-Assisted Language Learning (e.g. VR, AI, CALL, mobile learning, and digital game-based learning), and Corpus Linguistics.