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2.2. Artificial intelligence and vocabulary learning
Among the basic aspects of second language learning is vocabulary acquisition
where vocabulary knowledge is a significant part of comprehending and communicating
in a language. According to Nation (2013), the vocabulary size has a strong effect on the
capability of learners to comprehend written and spoken language. Learners can be
unable to engage in any meaningful communication despite their grammatical
competence as a result of inadequate vocabulary knowledge. Conventional methods of
learning vocabulary usually have memorization, textbook work and teacher controlled
instructions. Although these methods might offer simple vocabulary exposure, they
might not be useful in facilitating long term vocabulary retention as well as contextual
learning. The alternative solution that can be offered by AI-based learning systems is the
interactive and contextualized modes of vocabulary learning. Godwin-Jones (2019) also
states that the language learning systems that use the AI tool are able to provide words
that learners can use in real-life situations, offer dynamic exercises, and monitor the
progress of various learners as time passes. Moreover, such multimedia assets as
pictures, sounds, and sample sentences may be included in AI technologies to improve
the vocabulary learning process. These characteristics facilitate various learning styles
and enhance the capacity of the learners to memorize new words. Investigations have
demonstrated that vocabulary learning devices based on AI could contribute to
vocabulary retention and learner involvement significantly (Stockwell, 2022). AI systems
enable the learner to concentrate on words they need to practice more by providing
customized learning opportunities and adjusting feedback. The other significant benefit
of AI-based vocabulary learning is the possibility to give data-driven information
regarding the progress of learners. The artificial intelligence systems have the capability
of processing huge volumes of learning information to establish trends in the student
behavior and performance. Such data helps teachers to develop more efficient teaching
plans and offer specific assistance to students who might have certain issues with
learning vocabulary.
2.3. Artificial intelligence and pronunciation
Another necessary aspect of second language proficiency is pronunciation in that it
has a direct impact on effectiveness in communication. Proper pronunciation will help in
making the speech of the learners intelligible and make it understandable to others.
Nevertheless, pronunciation may be a difficult process among ESL learners because their
native language phonological systems do not always match the target language (Derwing
and Munro, 2015). Conventional teaching of pronunciation is usually based on teacher
modeling and drilling. Although the techniques can be used to introduce the learners to
the target sounds, they might not be effective in offering adequate feedback to learners.
The shortage of instruction time and the number of students in most language classrooms
enable instructors to offer individual pronunciation training to each student. AI-based
pronunciation training devices provide a good solution to these problems. There are
technologies like automatic speech recognition (ASR) that can enable learners to practice
pronunciation and they get instant feedback on their speech production. Liakin, Cardoso,
and Liakina (2015) discovered that speech recognition software could help learners to
score higher levels of pronunciation accuracy, because they have access to the models of
their native speakers. These systems compare the pronunciation of the learners and
detect the particular phonetic mistakes that assist learners to correct their articulation
and intonation patterns. Moreover, the use of AI-based pronunciation tools also gives
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