THE ROLE OF CHATGPT’S VOICE CONVERSATION FEATURE IN ENHANCING EFL STUDENTS’ SPEAKING CONFIDENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22460/eltin.v14i1.p167-180Abstract
This study explored the role of ChatGPT’s voice conversation feature in enhancing EFL freshmen students’ speaking confidence from an affective perspective. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research involved eight first-semester students from the English Education program at State Islamic University of North Sumatera. Participants were purposively selected because they had regularly used ChatGPT’s voice feature to practice speaking English for at least five months. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews along with field notes, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that ChatGPT’s voice conversation feature contributed to students’ speaking confidence through three interconnected mechanisms. First, it provided a low-pressure speaking environment that reduced fear of negative evaluation and increased emotional comfort. Second, repeated voice interaction and immediate responses encouraged more frequent speaking practice and strengthened students’ willingness to communicate. Third, the feature supported confidence development by enabling students to engage in self-correction and reduce fear of making mistakes. Overall, the study suggests that AI-based voice interaction can serve as a supportive supplementary speaking partner, particularly in contexts where opportunities for authentic speaking practice are limited.
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