Chatbots im DaF-Unterricht für Tourismusstudierende

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss some relevant evaluation criteria and suggestions for the improvement of text-based chatbots for tourism-specific German as Foreign Language classes in an academic setting. After outlining some findings of the research on chatbot-based language learning and some requirements for future professionals in tourism, the paper offers an analysis of two chatbots (i. e. Duolingo Bots and Lufthansa BestPrice) considering their use for touristic German learning at university. The selected findings show that it is still problematic for chatbots to switch the chat partners’ role and to give high-quality feedback on users’ input.