Artificial Intelligence as an Enabler of Spoken English Acquisition- perceptions and performance of students of Kohat University of science and Technology

Abstract

This paper is an investigation on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to improve the spoken proficiency in English among the students of a university, with particular interest in the students of Kohat University. Language learning has changed tremendously with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence driven language tools in the form of a chatbot, speech recognition software, and even virtual tutors. The study was done in a mixed-methods research, which used both the quantitative and qualitative data by using questionnaires and interviews. The results suggest that most of the students view AI as an interactive and helpful technology that increasingly enhances their correct pronunciation, fluency, and confidence when speaking English. According to the results of the review of the performance, the skills of the students who used the AI tools are visibly better in expressing themselves in spoken language than those who retained the traditional approach only. The research advises the incorporation of AI powered applications in the English language learning curriculum at the university to enable the process of independent personalized learning.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Spoken English, Language learning, University students, Kohat University, Language Technology, ESL