Exploring the transformative influence of artificial intelligence in EFL context: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Xia Zhang, Kingsley Obiajulu Umeanowai
Abstract
This comprehensive bibliometric analysis examines the dynamic impact and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) within the domain of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) from 2013 to 2023. By analysing 3,300 documents from the Web of Science database, the study reveals a positive trend in AI integration, with notable growth attributed to various transformative factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increased academic funding. The result analysis identifies leading contributors, top authors, sources, and publishers, revealing China, the United States, and the United Kingdom as influential contributors. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords unveils five clusters representing trends in AI-enhanced language learning, spanning educational technology, EFL teaching factors, learner motivation, and assessment strategies. The study also highlights AI’s impact on improving EFL writing skills through tools such as Chatgpt, Grammarly, and Quilbot. However, the study acknowledges limitations in database selection and language constraints. The findings offer valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers, guiding interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative pedagogical approaches.