In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) allows users to compose everything from simple words to classical poetry in a foreign language—achieving results that many learners might never reach even with a lifetime of study—how can we teach foreign languages effectively and inspire students to learn?

This presentation explores ongoing experiments in utilizing AI to teach an advanced Chinese language class at Davidson, a liberal arts college in the United States. The focus is on leveraging AI tools to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes in several areas: mastering and enjoying Chinese characters, developing better speaking abilities, learning and appreciating Chinese culture including idiamiatic expression stories, songs and poems, and performing skits enriched with personalized elements such as incorporating their names. By integrating AI into these activities, students experience a more dynamic and enriching learning process that not only supports skill development but also fosters a genuine enthusiasm for the language and its culture.

The findings reveal that AI has significantly increased teacher productivity by streamlining tasks such as content generation and recreation. This efficiency allows instructors to introduce a wider variety of materials, broadening students’ knowledge and interests while enabling more personalized and interactive instruction. Moreover, students have shown unprecedented enthusiasm and a growing love for learning Chinese, inspired by the creative opportunities AI brings to the classroom.

However, instructors must approach AI integration thoughtfully, ensuring it supplements rather than substitutes for authentic learning experiences. Teachers must carefully determine when AI should be utilized and when it should not, to guarantee that students develop genuine language proficiency and critical thinking skills beyond what AI can provide.

This session, designed for an oral presentation format, will share practical strategies, showcase student outcomes, and invite educators to engage in a broader discussion about the evolving role of AI in language instruction. These insights will resonate with language instructors, curriculum designers, and educational technologists interested in adopting innovative approaches to teaching Chinese and other languages in the AI age.

Keywords: AI, foreign languages, Chinese.