Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Education
Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
Abstract
This study examines the opportunities and challenges of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into foreign language learning through a structured review of relevant literature. The findings show that AI can enhance personalized learning experiences, provide valuable teacher support, and improve access to language resources. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide remain significant obstacles. The study emphasizes the need for ethical AI design, ongoing teacher training, and policies that ensure inclusivity. Additionally, it stresses the importance of continuous evaluation and collaboration among educators, technology developers, and policymakers. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential and limitations in transforming foreign language education, while advocating for balanced and responsible implementation.
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References
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Shankar, A. U., Tewari, V., Rahman, M., Mishra, A., & Bajaj, K. K. (2023). Impact of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in education. Tuijin Jishu/Journal of Propulsion Technology, 44(4). https://doi.org/10.52783/tjjpt.v44.i4.1014
Vesna, L. (2025). Digital divide in AI-powered education: Challenges and solutions for equitable learning. Journal of Information Systems Engineering & Management, 10(21s), 300–308. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i21s.3327
Wu, X., & Annamalai, N. (2025). Investigating the use of AI tools in English language learning: A phenomenological approach. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(2), Article ep578. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16188
Xia, Y., Shin, S.-Y., & Kim, J.-C. (2024). Cross-Cultural Intelligent Language Learning System (CILS): Leveraging AI to facilitate language learning strategies in cross-cultural communication. Applied Sciences, 14(13), 5651. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135651
Alajlani, N., Crabb, M., & Murray, I. R. (2023). A systematic review in understanding stakeholders' role in developing adaptive learning systems. Journal of Computers in Education, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00283-x
AlGerafi, M. A. M., Zhou, Y., Oubibi, M., & Wijaya, T. T. (2023). Unlocking the potential: A comprehensive evaluation of augmented reality and virtual reality in education. Electronics, 12(18), 3953. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12183953
Aljemely, Y. (2024). Challenges and best practices in training teachers to utilize artificial intelligence: A systematic review. Frontiers in Education, 9, Article 1470853. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1470853
Alkhouri, K. I. (2024). The role of artificial intelligence in the study of the psychology of religion. Religions, 15(3), 290. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15030290
Almelhes, S. (2023). A review of artificial intelligence adoption in second-language learning. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 13(5), 1259–1269. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1305.21
Bell, S. A., & Korinek, A. (2023). AI's economic peril. Journal of Democracy, 34(4), 151–161. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2023.a907696
Bulathwela, S., Pérez-Ortiz, M., Holloway, C., Greer, T., & Shawe-Taylor, J. (2024). Artificial intelligence alone will not democratise education: On educational inequality, techno-solutionism and inclusive tools. Sustainability, 16(2), 781. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020781
Celik, I., Dindar, M., Muukkonen, H., & Järvelä, S. (2022). The promises and challenges of artificial intelligence for teachers: A systematic review of research. TechTrends, 66(4), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00715-y
Crawford, J., Allen, K.-A., Pani, B., & Cowling, M. (2024). When artificial intelligence substitutes humans in higher education: The cost of loneliness, student success, and retention. Studies in Higher Education, 49(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2326956
Crompton, H., Edmett, A., Ichaporia, N., & Burke, D. (2024). AI and English language teaching: Affordances and challenges. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(6), 2503–2529. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13460
Crompton, H., Edmett, A., Ichaporia, N., & Burke, D. (2024). AI and English language teaching: Affordances and challenges. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(6), 2503–2529. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13460
Hooda, M., Rana, C., Dahiya, O., Rizwan, A., & Hossain, M. S. (2022). Artificial intelligence for assessment and feedback to enhance student success in higher education. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2022(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5215722
Jose, J., & Jose, B. J. (2024). Educators' academic insights on artificial intelligence: Challenges and opportunities. The Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.34190/ejel.21.5.3272
Kayyali, M. (2024). Immersive technologies: Virtual and augmented reality in higher education. In Reshaping learning with next generation educational technologies (Chapter 7). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-1310-7.ch007
Kizilcec, R. F. (2023). To advance AI use in education, focus on understanding educators. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-023-00351-4
Leong, W. Y. (2024). Transforming rural and underserved schools with AI-powered education solutions. ASM Science Journal, 19, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2023.1895
Liang, J.-C., Hwang, G.-J., Chen, M.-R. A., & Darmawansah, D. (2021). Roles and research foci of artificial intelligence in language education: An integrated bibliographic analysis and systematic review approach. Interactive Learning Environments. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1958348
Lin, C.-C., Huang, A., & Lu, O. (2023). Artificial intelligence in intelligent tutoring systems toward sustainable education: A systematic review. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), Article 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00260-y
Mohebbi, A. (2024). Enabling learner independence and self-regulation in language education using AI tools: A systematic review. Cogent Education, 12(1), Article 2433814. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2433814
Naseer, F., Khan, M. N., Tahir, M., & Aejaz, S. M. H. (2024). Integrating deep learning techniques for personalized learning pathways in higher education. Heliyon, 10(12), e32628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32628
Ng, D. T. K., Leung, J. K. L., Su, J., & Ng, R. C. W. (2023). Teachers’ AI digital competencies and twenty-first century skills in the post-pandemic world. Educational Technology Research and Development, 71(1), 137–161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-023-10203-6
Okulich-Kazarin, V., Аrtyukhov, A., Skowron, Ł., & Wołowiec, T. (2024). Will AI become a threat to higher education sustainability? A study of students' views. Sustainability, 16(11), 4596. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114596
Peña-Acuña, B., & Durão, R. (2024). Learning English as a second language with artificial intelligence for prospective teachers: A systematic review. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1490067
Perks, S. (2020). AI could reduce teacher workload. Physics World, 33(8), 11. https://doi.org/10.1088/2058-7058/33/8/15
Salas-Pilco, S. Z., Xiao, K., & Oshima, J. (2022). Artificial intelligence and new technologies in inclusive education for minority students: A systematic review. Sustainability, 14(20), 13572. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013572
Shankar, A. U., Tewari, V., Rahman, M., Mishra, A., & Bajaj, K. K. (2023). Impact of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in education. Tuijin Jishu/Journal of Propulsion Technology, 44(4). https://doi.org/10.52783/tjjpt.v44.i4.1014
Vesna, L. (2025). Digital divide in AI-powered education: Challenges and solutions for equitable learning. Journal of Information Systems Engineering & Management, 10(21s), 300–308. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i21s.3327
Wu, X., & Annamalai, N. (2025). Investigating the use of AI tools in English language learning: A phenomenological approach. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(2), Article ep578. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16188
Xia, Y., Shin, S.-Y., & Kim, J.-C. (2024). Cross-Cultural Intelligent Language Learning System (CILS): Leveraging AI to facilitate language learning strategies in cross-cultural communication. Applied Sciences, 14(13), 5651. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135651
Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
FANANI, Achmad; MAISARAH, Maisarah; MASRUR, Mukhamad.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Education.
Pioneer: Journal of Language and Literature, [S.l.], v. 17, n. 1, p. 107-122, june 2025.
ISSN 2655-8718.
Available at: <https://unars.ac.id/ojs/index.php/pioneer/article/view/6489>. Date accessed: 29 jan. 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.36841/pioneer.v17i1.6489.
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