Generative AI, pragmatics, and authenticity in second language learning

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There are obvious benefits to integrating generative AI into language learning and teaching: using AI as a language tutor, creating learning materials, or assessing learner output. However, due to how AI systems understand human language —based on a mathematical model using statistical probability— they lack the lived experience to use language with the same social awareness as humans. Additionally, there are built-in linguistic and cultural biases based on training data which is mostly in English and predominantly from Western sources. Studies have clearly shown that systems such as ChatGPT often do not produce language that is pragmatically appropriate.