Artificial Intelligence and Language Learning and Teaching

Welcome

Venue: Great Hall, King's College London.

Opening address by Dr Ana Maria Sousa Aguiar de Medeiros (Director of the King's Language Centre) and Dr Neil McLean (Director of LSE Language Centre).

Each session lasts 15-20 minutes and then attendants move to another session.

Table 1-Miguel Tarifa

The LAInguage Lab:

Foreign language learners are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for various tasks, including writing, translation, and text summarisation (Kasneci et al., 2023) However, unaware of the cognitive mechanisms involved in second language acquisition (SLA), many students rely on chatbots to simplify their learning exercises, reducing the mental effort required to complete them (Dergaa et al., 2024). Though this may make learning seem easier, it can have negative consequences by diminishing cognitive engagement and weakening natural learning mechanisms. Over time, this reliance may hinder students' ability to process and retain information independently (Bai et al., 2023). From this perspective, to maximise the benefits of AI in language learning, it is crucial to understand how to effectively integrate its use in a way that supports, rather than replaces, natural learning processes. The LAInguage Lab is a research initiative that aims to enhance language learning by effectively integrating the use of AI chatbots for self-study. We create prompts and interactions that align with principles of cognitive architecture, and actively engage students with the target language, reinforcing what they learn in their language classes.

Table 2- Amira Mills

Translanguaging and AI

In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual speakers naturally shift between languages, a process known as translanguaging (García & Li Wei, 2014). AI-powered tools, such as Google Translate and ChatGPT, are transforming language learning by enabling real-time translation, personalised feedback, and multilingual text generation. This talk explores how AI can support translanguaging practices, enhancing learners' engagement with multiple languages. AI also presents challenges, including translation inaccuracies, cultural biases, and overreliance on technology (Kirchmeier, 2020). Learners of Mandarin, French, and Arabic, for example, may struggle with dialectal differences, idiomatic expressions, and formal vs. informal distinctions when using AI tools. The talk will examine these issues and discuss pedagogical strategies for integrating AI effectively in multilingual learning. Through interactive demonstrations and discussion, participants will gain insights into how AI can complement, rather than replace, traditional methods.

Table 3- Angélique Arts and Markus Hardtmann

AI Literacy: A Student Workshop

At one point or another, most teachers will have received student writing that was clearly produced with the help of translation software and/or AI tools. We believe that without further reflection, the ad hocuse of these tools by students tends to prevent learning, rather than facilitate it. For this reason, we developed a student workshop that seeks to equip students with the knowledge necessary to support their own learning processes (cf. Falck [2024]; Bowen and Watson [2024]). While "AI literacy" generally refers to a host of social, political, and economic concerns such as AI hallucinations, bias, deepfakes, copyright, data protection, and the environmental costs of training AI systems (cf. Crawford [2022]), we do not seek to provide a general framework for all the possible uses of AI in student work. Rather, our workshop has a more specific aim: it concentrates on the productive use of AI for language learning, specifically for writing. Our workshop is modular, and other teachers can use the materials that we developed in their own classes.

Table 4- Mariam Reaidy

Enhancing Language Learning for Highly Motivated Students Using AI Tools

Traditional language learning methods often start with basic vocabulary, which may not fully engage highly motivated learners, whether at A1, A2, or higher proficiency levels, who are eager to apply their skills to specialised topics. AI-powered tools such as Google Translate and ChatGPT offer an alternative approach, allowing learners at all proficiency levels to explore advanced vocabulary early in their studies. While AI technologies effectively complement traditional methods, challenges persist in capturing cultural and contextual nuances. I will talk about a method used in a doctoral training module, where PhD students, including those at A1 and A2 levels in Arabic, utilised AI tools to translate key research terms and develop presentations on their work. This approach enhanced students’ vocabulary acquisition, confidence in public speaking, and ability to articulate complex ideas. AI-driven tools fostered learner autonomy and engagement, providing a personalised learning experience.

Table 5- Alejandra Lopez-Vazquez, Micaela Moreyra and Olga Férriz-Cristia

Conversing in Spanish with an AI agent

We will present some of the key steps in our development of the AI agent for conversation which was designed by us using Eleven Labs. The objective is to integrate AI tools to improve speaking skills and to develop and encourage autonomous work, especially in preparation for the oral exams. We aim now at the creation of a "tailor made AI agent" by the students themselves. They will be provided with a document with instructions and the prompt to facilitate the task of creating the agent catering for all levels of ability. Feedback of their interaction with the agent will be provided by teachers. Our aim in this part of the process is to analyse the students 'autonomous work, how much they are using it and the impact on their performance in their oral exams. The second part of the project relates to design "building blocks" to improve pronunciation and speaking. We have now a new specific section on KEATS for "Developing Spanish speaking skills" and we are working on material to populate it to help the students to improve their pronunciation.

Table 6 (pre-recorded session)- Giulia Baronti, Sarah Amadio and Estelle Kervella

Image-generative AI, designed to engage students in creative writing and translation

This project explores how generative image AI can enhance creative writing in beginner, intermediate, and advanced French and Italian modules. By using AI as a tool rather than an end in itself, we adopt a human-centered, holistic approach that integrates different classes, levels, and languages. AI-generated images, tailored to diverse learning styles, serve as writing prompts, fostering creativity, translation skills, and cross-linguistic interpretation while reinforcing grammar and vocabulary. We will share preliminary insights on the benefits—such as increased motivation, improved writing skills, and a stronger sense of community—alongside challenges like technical limitations and varied student responses. As our research is ongoing, we will discuss our approach, early findings, and future directions.

LSE is a centre for the study of the social sciences and this is reflected in its Language Centre.

Our courses focus on language and society, encouraging you to learn how to use language in the contexts you would like to live, study and work in. We teach people to speak languages, but also teach about language (socio-linguistics and intercultural communication) and offer a range of courses on literature and society.

Click here to find out more about LSE Language Centre.

We offer high-quality language teaching through short courses, private tuition and bespoke corporate training. Lessons are held at our central London campuses in Strand and Waterloo and also online.

Whether you are a King's student or just someone looking to pick up a new language, we have different services on offer to suit your needs.

Click here to find out more about King's Language Centre.

Participants should all be from participating institutions and are encouraged to use eduroam. If you are having trouble connecting to eduroam, please contact your home institution for assistance.