Review

AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026)

Volume: 10 Number: 2 September 17, 2026

AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026)

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into English Language Teaching (ELT) has generated a fragmented research landscape regarding AI-assisted speaking instruction. While individual studies report promising outcomes for chatbots and automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems, the field lacks a systematic mapping of trends, gaps, and future directions specific to ELT speaking contexts. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 251 Scopus-indexed articles (2023–2026), complemented by a supplementary review of 42 ERIC-indexed studies. Using VOSviewer for keyword co-occurrence analysis, we determined four research clusters: technical infrastructure (ASR, pronunciation, EFL), AI-ELT core, chatbot-mediated affective mediation (chatbot, anxiety, WTC), and pedagogical-affective factors (speaking, motivation, feedback). Overlay visualization revealed a temporal shift from technology-centric toward learner-centered, affect-sensitive research. Building on these findings, we propose a future research agenda comprising 15 research questions from the durability of AI-mediated affective gains to the effectiveness of ASR tools across diverse L1 backgrounds. To address the neglect of affective and ethical dimensions in AI-ELT teacher preparation, we introduce TPACK-A, an extension of the TPACK framework incorporating Affective Knowledge (AK) as a distinct teacher competency. This study provides researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with an actionable roadmap for advancing AI-assisted speaking instruction in ELT.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Ethical Statement

Ethical Considerations: As this study is a review-based bibliometric study using previously published literature and does not involve primary data collection from human participants, no ethics committee approval was required. The author adhered to the journal's ethical principles and publication policy.

References

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  2. Albedah, F. (2025). Artificial intelligence in language education: A systematic review of multilingual applications, large language models, and emerging challenges. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 49, 247–268. https://doi.org/10.32038/ltrq.2025.49.13
  3. Alenezi, A., & Alenezi, A. (2025). Evaluating the effectiveness of chatbot-assisted learning in enhancing English conversational skills among secondary school students. Education Sciences, 15(9), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15091136
  4. Al-Raimi, M., Mudhsh, B. A., Muqaibal, M. H., & Al-Yafaei, Y. (2024). To what extent has artificial intelligence impacted EFL teaching and learning? A systematic review. Jurnal Arbitrer, 11(3), 399–412. https://doi.org/10.25077/ar.11.3.399-412.2024
  5. Annie Limiya, V. G., & Prasantha Kumar, N. S. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence in enhancing English language skills: A systematic review. Studies in Media and Communication, 13(4), 256–267. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v13i4.7763
  6. Ariel, L., & Hayak, M. (2025). The paradox of AI in ESL instruction: Between innovation and oppression. Educational Theory, 75(4), 646–660. https://doi.org/10.1111/edth.70034
  7. Bouchhioua, N. (2024). Fostering the interplay between acoustic phonetics and AI-powered pronunciation learning: A teacher-action research. Teaching English with Technology, 24(3), 41–67.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Other Fields of Education (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

September 17, 2026

Submission Date

May 1, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 2, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

APA
Özdere, M. (2026). AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026). Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1942022
AMA
1.Özdere M. AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026). AUJEF. 2026;10(2). doi:10.34056/aujef.1942022
Chicago
Özdere, Mustafa. 2026. “AI-Assisted Speaking in ELT: A Bibliometric Mapping of Research Gaps and a Future Research Agenda (2023–2026)”. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty 10 (2). https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1942022.
EndNote
Özdere M (September 1, 2026) AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026). Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty 10 2
IEEE
[1]M. Özdere, “AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026)”, AUJEF, vol. 10, no. 2, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.34056/aujef.1942022.
ISNAD
Özdere, Mustafa. “AI-Assisted Speaking in ELT: A Bibliometric Mapping of Research Gaps and a Future Research Agenda (2023–2026)”. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty 10/2 (September 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1942022.
JAMA
1.Özdere M. AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026). AUJEF. 2026;10. doi:10.34056/aujef.1942022.
MLA
Özdere, Mustafa. “AI-Assisted Speaking in ELT: A Bibliometric Mapping of Research Gaps and a Future Research Agenda (2023–2026)”. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty, vol. 10, no. 2, Sept. 2026, doi:10.34056/aujef.1942022.
Vancouver
1.Mustafa Özdere. AI-assisted speaking in ELT: a bibliometric mapping of research gaps and a future research agenda (2023–2026). AUJEF. 2026 Sep. 1;10(2). doi:10.34056/aujef.1942022

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