Enhancing Language Pragmatics Instruction through Artificial Intelligence: A Mixed-Methods Study

Subject Areas :

Weam Lateef Fenjan Alfuraiji ¹

1 - Arabic Department, Kufa University, Kufa, Iraq

Received: 2023-10-15 Accepted : 2024-04-16 Published : 2024-06-16

Keywords: Language Pragmatics, Artificial Intelligence, Second Language Learning, Mixed-Methods Research,

Abstract :

The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether or not Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are effective in improving language pragmatics training for university students in Iraq who have an intermediate level of English proficiency. The research made use of a mixed-methods approach, which combines qualitative and quantitative data in order to investigate how artificial intelligence affects the acquisition of pragmatic competence (RQ1), learner perceptions (RQ2), and the effectiveness of AI in comparison to traditional methods (RQ3). The results of the study indicated that the intervention including the AI tool resulted in a statistically significant improvement in pragmatic competence scores when compared to the conventional method of instruction. Learners who were part of the experimental group also reported having favorable impressions of the effectiveness of the artificial intelligence tool. They highlighted the program's emphasis on practical application, as well as its interactive features and individualized feedback. This research makes a contribution to the field of language instruction by demonstrating the potential of artificial intelligence to develop a more interactive and individualized learning experience for pragmatics, which will ultimately lead to improved communication skills among students.

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