The Impact of Chatbots on Language Skills

Technological advancements have brought about the incorporation of chatbots in educational settings including language learning. This mini-review study aims to investigate how chatbots impact language skills by conducting an analysis of freely accessible empirical studies. Following the PRISMA methodology guidelines, we conducted a search on two reputable databases, Web of Science and Scopus to identify relevant studies that focus on the utilization of chatbots in language learning and their effects on language skills. The process of selecting studies involved screening titles, abstracts and full texts, resulting in a final selection of studies that directly examined the influence of chatbots on language proficiency as well as speaking and listening. Data extraction was performed to acquire relevant information from these chosen studies, including study characteristics, methodologies, and key findings. Analysis of the identified studies revealed promising evidence regarding the impact that chatbots have on language skills. Additionally, it was observed that the interactive nature of chatbots contributes to speaking and listening abilities by creating more engaging and immersive language learning experiences. The potential contributions of the results of this study are twofold. Firstly, it offers an up-to-date analysis of the existing empirical literature on how chatbots impact language skills, which will provide insights to educators, researchers and policymakers interested in integrating technology into language education. Secondly, this study holds significance for language learners who are looking for innovative ways to improve their language skills. By understanding the advantages of using chatbots for learning, languages learners can make decisions about incorporating these tools into their language learning journeys.