The potential of AI-driven informal digital learning of English for shaping L2 learners’ willingness to communicate and speaking motivation: does L2 grit mediate?
Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/17501229.2026.2653171
- Dergi Adı: Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), MLA - Modern Language Association Database
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Artificial intelligence, informal learning, L2 grit, speaking motivation, willingness to communicate
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Despite growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI)-mediated second or foreign language (L2) learning, little is known about the role of AI-driven informal digital learning of English (AI-IDLE) in shaping learners' communicative intention and motivation. Furthermore, how L2 learner traits such as grit may influence the relationship between AI-IDLE and communicative outcomes remains largely underexplored. Purpose: This study examined the association between AI-IDLE and two communicative variables - L2 willingness to communicate (WTC) and speaking motivation - with a particular focus on the mediating role of L2 grit. Methods: Participants were 244 English as a foreign language (EFL) learners (123 males, 121 females). Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the direct and indirect associations among AI-IDLE, L2 grit, WTC, and L2 speaking motivation. Results: Findings revealed that AI-IDLE significantly and directly predicted grit and WTC but not speaking motivation. L2 grit emerged as a strong predictor of both WTC and speaking motivation, and functioned as a full mediator in the relationships between AI-IDLE and the two communicative outcomes. Conclusion: These results highlight L2 grit as a key factor linking AI-driven informal learning with learners' communicative readiness and motivation, suggesting that fostering grit may maximize the benefits of AI tools for L2 learning.