The impact of using ChatGPT in foreign language acquisition: A pilot study

Abstract

[EN] ChatGPT has been a hot topic since 2022, and thanks to its additional functions, which were made available for free in 2023 and 2024, it is now not only possible to prepare lessons more quickly but also to use ChatGPT as a native-speaker partner in foreign language lessons. The pilot study is about the use of ChatGPT in German as a foreign language lessons and what effect its use has on the four basic skills of language learning: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. To this end, 17 students were divided into two groups and each group was taught ten identical lessons, with one group being able to ask ChatGPT anything as a partner and group member. Before and after the ten lessons, a B2 test based on the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 was carried out with the students. The test examines language comprehension and provides an opportunity to demonstrate language skills, focusing on vocabulary and grammar. The results are compared and, on average, show an equivalent improvement between the courses. The learners' learning is therefore not impaired by ChatGPT, even if they were initially sceptical about AI.