In response to global shifts in education, fostering intercultural competence and sustaining learners’ cognitive engagement have become vital goals in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction. Artificial intelligence (AI), increasingly present in educational settings, offers new pathways for interactive, reflective, and culturally responsive learning. This study explores the impact of AI-enhanced language learning tools on the development of intercultural competence and cognitive engagement among Moroccan university EFL students. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 140 undergraduates through structured questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Quantitative findings showed a significant association between the use of AI applications—such as chatbots, cultural simulations, and adaptive feedback systems—and higher levels of learner engagement and intercultural awareness. Surprisingly, while AI increased attention and motivation, it did not significantly improve students’ behavioural adaptability in intercultural scenarios, as reported in interviews. Some participants also voiced concerns over the lack of emotional nuance in AI interactions. These findings indicate that AI can be a powerful tool for stimulating cognitive and cultural development, but its limitations must be addressed. The study recommends integrating AI with human-mediated discussions and culture-rich materials to provide balanced, socially grounded EFL experiences. Policymakers and educators should also consider ethical and cultural representation in AI content development.

Authors:
Nourreddine Menyani, Moulay Ismail University, Morocco
Ahlame Boumehdi, Moulay Ismail University, Morocco
Oulaid Amzaourou, Moulay Ismail University, Morocco

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Nourreddine Menyani is an associate professor Applied Linguistics and ELT at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Moulay Ismail University, Meknés, Morocco. He earned a PhD in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Ibn Tofail University in Kénitra, Morocco. He is also a member in several Research groups, namely the Research laboratory: Research in Education, Culture, Technology, Arts and Media (RECTAM) at the ENS, and ‘Language and Society,’ Ibn Tofail University. Menyani authored and co-authored several research papers. He is a board member and reviewer in different international Scopus indexed journals. Menyani’s research interests include Applied Linguistics, Teacher Education, Intercultural Communicative Competence, Information Communication Technology, Pedagogy, Foreign Language Teaching and Learning, Assessment and Artificial Intelligence.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

Bookmark