Saudi EFL Learners’ Perceptions and Usage of AI Applications‎in Enhancing English Speaking Skills

  • Authors

    • Alia Sa’ad Eldin AbuSahyon English Language Department, Preparatory Year Deanship, Najran University, Saudi Arabia
    • Nadia Ali Elsharief English Language Department, Preparatory Year Deanship, Najran University, Saudi Arabia
    • Ena'am Abdelgader Farah English Language Department, Preparatory Year Deanship, Najran University, Saudi Arabia
    https://doi.org/10.14419/mtajpj58

    Received date: August 8, 2025

    Accepted date: August 14, 2025

    Published date: August 27, 2025

  • AI Applications; EFL Students; English-Speaking Skills; Speaking Proficiency

  • Abstract

    This study explores Saudi EFL students' familiarity with, perceptions of, and usage patterns of AI applications to enhance their speaking ‎skills, considering gender and academic track differences. A structured questionnaire has been created to capture the participants’ perceptions, attitudes, and practices related to using AI applications in developing their English-speaking skills. The results indicate a high level of ‎familiarity and positive perceptions of AI tools among students, yet their actual usage remains moderate. This discrepancy suggests the ‎existence of barriers that impede the full integration of AI applications into language learning practices.‎

    Gender-based analysis reveals that female students exhibit higher familiarity, perception, and usage of AI applications compared to their ‎male counterparts. Furthermore, differences among academic tracks indicate that health students adopt AI applications at a higher rate than ‎engineering students. The study underscores the potential of AI applications in enhancing EFL students' speaking proficiency while identifying challenges that limit their widespread adoption‎.

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  • How to Cite

    AbuSahyon , A. S. E. ., Elsharief, N. A. ., & Farah, E. A. . (2025). Saudi EFL Learners’ Perceptions and Usage of AI Applications‎in Enhancing English Speaking Skills. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(4), 748-755. https://doi.org/10.14419/mtajpj58