AI-Powered Second Language Writing: How ChatGPT Impacts German Learners

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education, particularly in language learning, is rapidly evolving. This article explores the potential of AI tools like ChatGPT to assist students in second language (L2) writing. We investigate how AI can support learners in the revision process, focusing on the areas where students concentrate their attention and the nature of the feedback they receive from AI. The study aims to provide insights into the effective use of AI in language education and its impact on student writing outcomes.

Writing in a second language is a cognitively demanding task. It requires learners to manage multiple processes simultaneously, including planning, drafting, and revising. Research has shown that multilingual individuals often face challenges such as translating from their first language, managing cognitive load, and automating lower-level processes. These difficulties can lead to errors and deviations from the target language norms. Effective support mechanisms are crucial to aid learners in overcoming these challenges and improving their writing skills.

German, in particular, presents unique challenges for learners due to its complex grammatical structure and word order. From a Francophone perspective, the 'regressive' structure and specific marking phenomena require careful attention. Errors in German L2 writing can occur at various linguistic levels, including phonetics, morphology, syntax, lexico-semantics, and pragmatics. Understanding these specific challenges is essential for developing targeted interventions and support strategies for German language learners.

The emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT raises important questions about their role in L2 writing. Can AI effectively assist learners in improving their writing skills? What aspects of writing do learners focus on when using AI for revision? How do learners integrate AI feedback into their writing? Addressing these questions requires a careful examination of the interactions between learners and AI, as well as the conditions necessary for effective AI support. Ethical considerations, such as plagiarism and data privacy, must also be taken into account.

To investigate the use of AI in L2 writing, a study was conducted with 25 law students learning German at the University of Bordeaux. The students were asked to write a text in German and then revise it using ChatGPT. The study involved both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the students' writing and their interactions with AI. By examining the changes made during the revision process and the feedback provided by ChatGPT, the researchers aimed to gain insights into the impact of AI on student writing.

The analysis of the students' interactions with ChatGPT revealed that they primarily focused on lexical and syntactic improvements. Students often used ChatGPT to correct grammatical errors, find better word choices, and refine sentence structures. While AI was helpful in addressing these issues, the study also found that students paid less attention to the content and coherence of their writing. This suggests that AI may be more effective in supporting lower-level aspects of writing than higher-level ones.

The findings of this study have important implications for the role of AI in language learning. While AI can provide valuable support for L2 writing, it is essential to consider its limitations and potential drawbacks. Educators should encourage students to use AI critically and to focus on all aspects of writing, including content, coherence, and argumentation. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop pedagogical strategies that integrate AI effectively into language teaching and learning.

In conclusion, AI tools like ChatGPT have the potential to transform second language writing. However, their effective use requires careful consideration of the challenges and opportunities they present. By understanding how students interact with AI and the types of feedback it provides, educators can develop strategies to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of AI on language learning and to develop best practices for its integration into education.