Exploring Applications of ChatGPT to Improve Spoken Chinese Self-efficacy of International Students: Theoretical Rationales, Limitations, and Recommendations

ABSTRACT

As China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its national strength continued to grow, enthusiasm for learning Chinese has been heating up globally. Chinese language education has gradually integrated into the education systems of more countries, becoming a significant focus of attention and study. However, despite the increasing demand for learning Chinese, international students still face several challenges in learning spoken Chinese due to limitations in teaching hours and the number of teachers, especially a lack of personalized, timely targeted feedback. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of using ChatGPT to assist international students in enhancing their spoken Chinese self-efficacy based on Social Cognitive Theory. The discussion focuses on how ChatGPT can help improve students' spoken Chinese self-efficacy through creating opportunities for successful learning experiences, offering indirect learning opportunities, using verbal persuasion, and adjusting emotional and physiological states. The paper also discusses the issues related to ChatGPT, such as the timeliness of information updates, potential language and cultural biases, and inadequate handling of non-verbal communication, and offers targeted suggestions.