Enhancing EFL Learners’ Pronunciation: A GenAI-Powered Approach to Weak Forms for Students at Arab Open University

Abstract

Pronunciation is an important aspect in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. However, language learners face difficulties in mastering pronunciation. Language instructors use technology to enhance pronunciation. The advent of Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has created several opportunities to improve pronunciation. This study aims to examine the effect of using GenAI on the learning of weak forms among 54 Saudi EFL learners. The study used a quasi-experimental design to achieve its aims. The participants were divided into two groups: the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group used ChatGPT as the primary GenAI tool to practice weak forms pronunciation. The results indicate no significant differences between the control and experimental groups in post-test scores. This finding suggests that while GenAI tools may support learning, their effectiveness in teaching weak forms does not appear to surpass that of traditional methods.