THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TOOLS ON FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODOLOGY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have rapidly transformed foreign language instruction by offering adaptive learning environments, automated assessment, instant feedback, and conversational simulations. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the methodological implications of AI integration in foreign language teaching (FLT). Using empirical and theoretical evidence, the paper examines the opportunities AI creates for enhancing personalization, communicative competence, and learner autonomy, as well as the challenges it presents in terms of ethical concerns, digital inequality, algorithmic bias, and overdependence. A pedagogical framework grounded in communicative language teaching (CLT), constructivism, and data-driven learning is proposed to support responsible AI integration. The findings indicate that AI has strong potential to elevate language learning outcomes; however, its effectiveness depends on teacher expertise, institutional policy, ethical literacy, and balanced human–AI interaction.