Saudi Female EFL Learners’ Perceptions of the Impact of ChatGPT on Vocabulary Improvement

Abstract

This study investigated the Saudi female EFL students’ perceptions of the effect of using ChatGPT on their vocabulary enrichment. Specifically, it explores their opinions regarding the effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages of the utility of ChatGPT as a tool for vocabulary improvement. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data obtained from a questionnaire answered by 101 Saudi female EFL learners with qualitative insights gained by interviewing 13 of the participants who have been enrolled in Majmaah University. The findings of this study demonstrated that ChatGPT is advantageous when utilized for vocabulary building. Among the advantages reported by the participants was the ability of ChatGPT to provide accurate definitions, explanations, and examples. Moreover, the capability of ChatGPT to give contextual alternatives was considered useful for EFL students to allow them to select appropriate words for specific contexts. In addition, the interactive nature of ChatGPT enables users to be engaged in real-time practice opportunities and accordingly improve their vocabulary skills. Furthermore, ChatGPT allows EFL learners to expand their lexical repertoires by being exposed to unfamiliar words. However, disadvantages such as repetitive word suggestions, affordability issues, and occasional inaccuracies in ChatGPT’s responses were also indicated. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages of using ChatGPT for vocabulary enrichment based on EFL learners’ perceptions in the Saudi context. It gives insights into the advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT as a tool to expand EFL students’ lexical repertoires, providing practical implications for EFL educators and learners.