Author: Francesco Costantini, Eleonora Gallitelli, Emanuela Li Destri
Journal: Journal of Applied Linguistics and Information Systems, January 2026, Issue 6, pp. 88–99
Key words: Artificial Intelligence, AI integration in teaching, English for Specific Purposes, Foreign Language Teaching
Abstract: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education and foreign language teaching marks a transformative shift and it has drawn much attention in recent literature. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current debate on the integration of AI in education and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teaching, focusing on both opportunities and challenges. It aims to synthesize recent literature to identify opportunities as well as challenges based on recent research on the topic. The integration of AI tools in education has the potential to enhance personalization, autonomy, engagement, and efficiency in learning environments, while also facilitating process automation and assessment. At the same time, it poses the ethical, social, and infrastructural challenges, such as academic integrity, algorithmic bias, and equitable access. Ultimately, the article highlights the need for clear guidelines, ethical frameworks, and AI literacy to ensure responsible integration, positioning AI as a complement to human educators rather than a replacement, and promoting a balanced approach that safeguards creativity, critical thinking, and inclusivity.