Reimagining English Language Learning through AI-Assisted Language Learning: A Study of Speaking Proficiency among ESL Learners in Public Sector Colleges of District Rajanpur

Abstract

This research deals with the effect of AI-assisted language learning on the speaking proficiency of the ESL Learners. In addition to altering people's lifestyles, technology seems to have also altered how we communicate, work, and learn. Innovations of various kinds are always in transitions to make our activities more useful and efficient. A more recent technological development is the emergence of term “Artificial Intelligence” which is currently working as a tool. This tool was created in the form of programs and robots to enhance the speaking proficiency of the ESL learners. English Language is getting more and more importance in the recent era as it has occupied the status of instructions, social media and business communication almost all over the world. So, every ESL learner wants to speak in English. But, it has been observed that majority of ESL learners seem to struggle in their speaking proficiency in the underdeveloped District Rajanpur. Saraiki (L1) is used as a mode of communication in most public sector colleges of District Rajanpur. Learners are not facilitated with expert English language teachers and can’t get good books on English language learning due to financial problem. It was observed that teachers and students do not give proper attention to communication skills. Keeping in view the significance of speaking proficiency, the artificial intelligence assisted language learning was introduced to fulfill this need. This study was experimental in nature and two variables i.e. Variable 1 and variable 2 were used to carry out this study. One was experimental group and other was traditional instruction group, each group carried 30 participants, hence the sample of this study was 60 in total. A pre – test and post – test was conducted to compare the data statistically. Artificial intelligence assisted language learning provided many contents based recorded videos to enhance the speaking proficiency of the ESL learners. This research tested the effectiveness of AI language learning aids in the enhancement of speaking ability among ESL students using virtual tutor system and speech recognition. The experimental group participants performed 11.7% better on their post-test with a mean number of 27.5 as compared with the control group which was 23.93, indicating that  the use of AI enhanced the abilities of the participants.