ESP-based sociolinguistic exercises with AI integration for technical students

https://doi.org/10.35912/utlj.v1i2.3482
Published: Sep 25, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the potential of integrating English for Specific Purposes (ESP) methodology with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance sociolinguistic competence among technical university students. Traditional ESP courses often prioritize linguistic aspects such as grammar and vocabulary, leaving pragmatic and context-sensitive communication underexplored.

Research Methodology: The research adopts a conceptual and descriptive design based on Hutchinson and Waters’ ESP framework and Canale and Swain’s communicative competence model. The study synthesizes recent empirical findings on AI-assisted language learning, particularly the use of chatbots, speech tools, and digital applications to strengthen sociolinguistic competence.

Results: Findings from prior studies indicate that AI integration significantly improves learner motivation, oral confidence, and engagement. AI-supported tools foster better pragmatic awareness, register and dialect practice, and create positive classroom climates. Additionally, AI enhances both teacher perspectives on digital integration and learners’ linguistic competence development.

Conclusions: The article proposes a methodological model of AI-assisted ESP sociolinguistic exercises. This integration is expected to enrich technical students’ communication skills by embedding sociolinguistic awareness into ESP instruction.

Limitations: The study is conceptual in nature and relies on secondary data. Future empirical testing in classroom settings is required to validate the proposed model.

Contribution: This research contributes a pedagogical framework that demonstrates how AI can complement ESP in fostering sociolinguistic competence, offering practical recommendations for technical higher education contexts.

Keywords:
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. ESP
3. Language Education
4. Sociolinguistic Competence
5. Technical Students
Authors:
Yembergenova Ulmira Adilbay Kizi
Uzbek State University of World Languages, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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How to Cite
Kizi, Y. U. A. . (2025). ESP-based sociolinguistic exercises with AI integration for technical students. Universal Teaching and Learning Journal, 1(2), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.35912/utlj.v1i2.3482
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Issue & Section
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): September
Articles
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References

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    Arnó-Macià, E., Aguilar-Pérez, M., & Tatzl, D. (2020). Engineering students' perceptions of the role of ESP courses in internationalized universities. English for Specific Purposes, 58, 58-74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2019.12.001

    Bui, H. P. (2022). Students' and teachers' perceptions of effective ESP teaching. Heliyon, 8(9), e10628. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10628

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    Mirzoyeva, L., Makhanova, Z., Ibrahim, M. K., & Snezhko, Z. (2024). Formation of auditory and speech competences in learning English based on neural network technologies: psycholinguistic aspect. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2404264. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2404264

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    Rugaiyah, R. (2023). The potential of artificial intelligence in improving linguistic competence: A systematic literature review. Arkus, 9(2), 319-324. doi:https://doi.org/10.37275/arkus.v9i2.313

    S. Zulaiha, L. B., A. P. Ar-Rahma, and N. D. Addiyaullami. (2024). Leveraging ElevenLabs AI to enhance speaking confidence and sociolinguistic competence. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching, 19(3), 210–227.

    Sapariati, A., Widnyani, I. A. P. S., & Dewi, N. D. U. (2025). Normative Analysis Of Maternity Leave Policy Implementation For Women Workers’ Rights In Bali. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 33-42. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.3817

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    Tang, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence-based needs analysis for english specific purposes in digital environment. Learning and Motivation, 83, 101914. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2023.101914

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    Yuan, L., & Liu, X. (2025). The effect of artificial intelligence tools on EFL learners' engagement, enjoyment, and motivation. Computers in human behavior, 162, 108474. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108474

    Zairina, S., Wibisono, C., Ngaliman, N., Indrayani, I., & Satriawan, B. (2023). The influence of product quality, prices, and promotions on buyer decisions in the small and medium industry handicrafts of Tanjungpinang City. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 1(1), 13-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v1i1.1778

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  2. Afriyani, N., Indrayani, I., Indrawan, M. G., Wibisono, C., & Ngaliman, N. (2023). The influence of training, discipline, and innovation on the performance of members of the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) in Tanjungpinang City: A quantitative study. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 1(1), 53-69. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v1i1.1780
  3. Aguilar, M. (2018). Integrating Intercultural Competence in ESP and EMI: From Theory to Practice. ESP Today, 6, 25-43. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.18485/esptoday.2018.6.1.2
  4. Arnó-Macià, E., Aguilar-Pérez, M., & Tatzl, D. (2020). Engineering students' perceptions of the role of ESP courses in internationalized universities. English for Specific Purposes, 58, 58-74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2019.12.001
  5. Bui, H. P. (2022). Students' and teachers' perceptions of effective ESP teaching. Heliyon, 8(9), e10628. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10628
  6. Cahyaningrum, N. P., Prasetya, H., & Mustiawan, M. (2025). Storytelling Marketing Communication Dalam Membangun Engagement Pada Nano Influencer Tiktok @Tenscoffeeid. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 101-117. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.5004
  7. Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of commuicative approaches to second language teaching and testing.
  8. Derakhshan, A. (2025). EFL students’ perceptions about the role of generative artificial intelligence (GAI)-mediated instruction in their emotional engagement and goal orientation: A motivational climate theory (MCT) perspective in focus. Learning and Motivation. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2025.102114
  9. Dou, A. Q., Chan, S. H., & Win, M. T. (2023). Changing visions in ESP development and teaching: Past, present, and future vistas. Front Psychol, 14, 1140659. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1140659
  10. Dudley-Evans, T., & St John, M. J. (1998). Developments in English for specific purposes: Cambridge university press.
  11. El Zahraa, F. (2025). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies to Enhance Sociolinguistic Competence and Arabic Language Skills. Paper presented at the Proceeding of the International Conference on Religious Education and Cross-Cultural Understanding.
  12. Fareh, S., Abu Guba, M. N., Hamadi, I., Awad, A., & Fareh, A. (2023). Assessing the pragmatic competence of Arab learners of English: The case of apology. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 10(1), 2230540. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2023.2230540
  13. Firaldi, Y., Wibisono, C., Ngaliman, N., Indrayani, I., & Satriawan, B. (2023). The influence of leadership, discipline, and workload on employee performance through job satisfaction as an intervening variable in Regional Revenue Agency Riau Islands Province. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 1(1), 27-52. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v1i1.1779
  14. Gu, J., & Liu, Q. (2025). Enhancing Chinese EFL University Students’ self-regulated learning through AI chatbot intervention: Insights from achievement goal theory. Learning and Motivation, 92, 102191. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2025.102191
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  18. Koç, F. ?., & Sava?, P. (2025). The use of artificially intelligent chatbots in English language learning: A systematic meta-synthesis study of articles published between 2010 and 2024. ReCALL, 37(1), 4-21. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344024000168
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  20. Lee, B., & R, C. (2024). Exploring the potential of AI for pragmatics instruction. Technology in Language Teaching & Learning, 6, 1-16. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.29140/tltl.v6n3.1521
  21. Lestari, S., Artisa, R. A., Nurliawati, N., & Maulana, R. R. (2025). Evaluation of the Affordable Food Program in Bandung City Using the CIPP Model. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 85-100. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.5197
  22. Maahs, I.-M., DeCapua, A., & Triulzi, M. (2025). Digital technology and language learning: insights from teachers of adult migrant learners. ReCALL, 37(2), 283-297. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344024000338
  23. Mirzoyeva, L., Makhanova, Z., Ibrahim, M. K., & Snezhko, Z. (2024). Formation of auditory and speech competences in learning English based on neural network technologies: psycholinguistic aspect. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2404264. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2404264
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  26. Rugaiyah, R. (2023). The potential of artificial intelligence in improving linguistic competence: A systematic literature review. Arkus, 9(2), 319-324. doi:https://doi.org/10.37275/arkus.v9i2.313
  27. S. Zulaiha, L. B., A. P. Ar-Rahma, and N. D. Addiyaullami. (2024). Leveraging ElevenLabs AI to enhance speaking confidence and sociolinguistic competence. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching, 19(3), 210–227.
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  29. Takahashi, Y. (2020). Redesigning an artificial intelligence elearning application to improve Japanese students' English conversational skills: a case study of a vocational institute in Tokyo, Japan.
  30. Tang, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence-based needs analysis for english specific purposes in digital environment. Learning and Motivation, 83, 101914. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2023.101914
  31. Tiimub, B. M., Christophé, N., Atepre, B. A., Tiimob, R. W., Tiimob, G. L., Tiimob, E. N., . . . Agyenta, J. J. (2023). Crop production potential of reclaimed mine sites for sustainable livelihoods. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1785
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  33. Zairina, S., Wibisono, C., Ngaliman, N., Indrayani, I., & Satriawan, B. (2023). The influence of product quality, prices, and promotions on buyer decisions in the small and medium industry handicrafts of Tanjungpinang City. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 1(1), 13-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v1i1.1778
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