AI Chatbots as Virtual Conversation Partners: Revolutionizing English Language Learning to Enhance Interactive Communicative Proficiency

Abstract

Chatbots present a unique opportunity to support language acquisition through interactive conversation in a time when digital technologies are increasingly becoming essential to education. This study’s purpose was to investigate the integration of chatbot technology into English language learning and its impact on enhancing student engagement and interactive communication skills of the undergraduates in Sri Lanka. This mixed-methods research involved a convenience sampling of 100 second year undergraduates and 2 ESL lecturers from the Faculty of Computing and Technology, from a state university, aiming to assess how chatbot interactions can enhance communication skills. Data was collected through pre- and post- tests focused on speaking proficiency based on selected academic and professional contexts. Further, qualitative data gathered by distributing a questionnaire on students’ perceptions of chatbot usage in their learning process on their experience with interactive communicative proficiency. The analysis utilized analytical models of several paired SPSS t tests and thematic analysis. Results indicated significant improvements in key speaking factors like vocabulary, speaking level, accent, and stress patterns before and after the intervention of the chatbot system. It could be noted that the students benefited from communicating with the AI chatbot and saw a considerable improvement in their abilities, indicating that the technology could be utilized as an effective and practical learning tool that provides real-time practice and feedback. Further, the study was conducted over a short period, which highlighted a crucial limitation as the capacity to examine the ongoing generality of the developments. As for the recommendations, it can be mentioned that future research can be focused on the differences in the research-design and features of the chatbot for better understanding of enhancements of the target language skills.