The Impact of ChatGPT on Vocabulary Learning in L3 German Class

Year 2024, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 339 - 348, 30.08.2024

Muhammet Yaşar Yüzlü

Abstract

Although technology is an established issue in applied linguistics, integrating chatbots, particularly ChatGPT into language learning,
especially third-language (L3) learning, is a novel and mystic issue. To demystify this integration, the current study explores the role
of ChatGPT in enhancing vocabulary learning, which makes up the skeleton of language, in L3 German class since multilingualism is
becoming a norm nowadays. The participants of this exploratory qualitative case study, who are A1-level German learners, are three
university students. They read and analyse five different ChatGPT-created texts and adapt the topic of texts to themselves via ChatGPT
in which they are supposed to incorporate theme-related keywords throughout five weeks. Data is gathered through semi-structured
interviews, vocabulary tests, and reflective journals. Grounded theory was conducted to analyse the data. The findings provide insights
into the participants’ academic achievement through cognitive and affective dimensions. Pedagogical implications are discussed.

Keywords

ChatGPT, Vocabulary learning, L3 German, University students

ChatGPT’nin Üçüncü Dil olarak Almanca Dersinde Kelime Öğrenimine Etkisi

Abstract

Teknoloji, uygulamalı dilbilim alanında yerleşik bir konu olmasına rağmen, sohbet robotlarının, özellikle ChatGPT’ nin dil öğrenimine,
bilhassa üçüncü dil (L3) öğrenimine dahil edilmesi yeni ve gizemli bir konudur. Bu ilişkiyi aydınlatmak amacıyla, mevcut çalışma
ChatGPT’nin L3 Almanca dersinde dilin temel yapı taşı olan kelime öğrenimini geliştirmedeki rolünü araştırmaktadır çünkü çok dillilik
günümüzde bir norm haline gelmektedir. Bu keşfedici nitel durum çalışmasının katılımcıları, A1 seviyesinde Almanca öğrenen üç
üniversite öğrencisidir. Katılımcılar, beş hafta boyunca ChatGPT tarafından oluşturulmuş beş farklı metni okur ve analiz eder, ardından
tema ile ilintili anahtar kelimeleri dahil ettikleri metinlerin konusunu ChatGPT aracılığıyla kendilerine uyarlarlar. Veri, yarı yapılandırılmış
görüşmeler, kelime bilgisi testleri ve yansıtıcı günlükler aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Verileri analiz etmek için gömülü teori kullanılmıştır.
Bulgular, katılımcıların akademik başarılarına dair bilişsel ve duyuşsal boyutlar aracılığıyla içgörüler sunmaktadır. Pedagojik çıkarımlar
irdelenmiştir.

Keywords

ChatGPT, Kelime öğrenimi, Üçüncü dil olarak Almanca, Üniversite öğrencileri

Ethical Statement

Approval was attained from Ethical Board of the University

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