“Integrating Corpus-Driven and AI-Assisted Approaches in Language Learning and Teaching: Rationales and Applications”

The exponential advancement of technology has led to a rapid rise in the use of corpora and generative AI tools (e.g., chatbots) in language learning and teaching. Research has demonstrated the significant benefits of both technologies, but it has also highlighted their respective strengths and limitations, as well as the extent to which their effectiveness depends on factors such as individual learner differences, learning contexts, and task types. Drawing on published studies and the speaker’s own work and experience, this talk examines why and how these two technologies can and should be integrated in language education. Specifically, it first outlines the capabilities of corpora and AI in supporting language learning and their respective strengths and limitations. It then reviews the main existing approaches to their integration and introduces several emerging corpora and corpus tools that have successfully incorporated AI features, along with examples of learning activities that help illustrate how integrated approaches can help make language learning and teaching more effective.