GEN-Z SLANGS AND THE AI REVOLUTION IN LANGUAGE TEACHING
Keywords:
Gen-Z, slang, sociolinguistics, AI in education, language teaching, digital literacies, L2 pedagogy.Abstract
This article examines the intersection of Gen-Z slang—its forms, functions, and sociolinguistic significance—with current and emerging uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in language teaching. Drawing on corpus observations, sociolinguistic theory, and recent advances in educational AI, the paper argues that Gen-Z linguistic innovation presents both challenges and rich pedagogical opportunities. AI tools (including large language models, adaptive learning platforms, and conversational agents) can help teachers recognize, contextualize, and harness slang for communicative competence, critical digital literacy, and learner motivation—provided educators adopt an ethically informed, evidence-based approach. The paper concludes with practical classroom strategies, suggested research directions, and policy considerations for integrating Gen-Z linguistic realities into AI-supported language education.
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