Kyung Hee University (KHU) Communication & Press published Professor Yu Tae-ho’s newest book, The Future of Foreign Language Education Meeting the AI World, on July 15. Prof. Yu received his bachelor’s degree at KHU in journalism and media production and is an associate professor at James Madison University. His latest book explores why artificial intelligence (AI) can, and should, be used to improve traditional language education. Future joint publications are already planned for multinational audiences in Southeast Asia and beyond under the same title.

Why AI Matters in Education: Prof. Yu’s Path

AI is rapidly advancing in language-related tasks such as translation, research, and creative writing. As its capabilities grow, many are beginning to question the role of traditional foreign language education. Is it still necessary to learn how to understand, speak, and write in foreign languages when AI can do it for us?

“Definitely,” answered Prof. Yu. An expert in instructional design and technology, competency-based learning, adaptive and personalized learning, and the usage of generative AI for education, he has made several relevant publications such as Education is Hope in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and AI Education Revolution using ChatGPT. He has also dedicated years to develop solutions of utilizing AI for improving authoritative, unilateral public education that lack personalized student engagement.

“There is mounting uncertainty over what the future holds for foreign language education, and more broadly, language education itself. Some universities are even looking into a total replacement of language departments with courses on generative AI utilization, but this is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs,” he explained.

Instead, through his newest work, Prof. Yu presented compelling evidence that AI is an opportunity rather than a replacement when teaching foreign languages. He argued that the ability to communicate directly in foreign languages will always have value, and that proper integration of AI into language education can address long-standing limitations such as one-size-fits-all instruction, unilateral teaching, and a lack of personalized interactions in class. He also provided concrete methods for using AI to enhance foreign language teaching.

The Structure of the Book

The Future of Foreign Language Education Meeting the AI World is 440 pages in length and organized into four parts. The first section examines the current state of AI technology and its implications for language education. Technologies such as automated translation and generative AI are more advanced and accessible than ever. Prof. Yu noted that these new tools open opportunities for learner-oriented, interactive approaches both inside and outside the classroom.

In the second section, Prof. Yu addressed skepticism about the need for foreign language education in the AI era. Drawing on the history and nature of languages, he explained that direct communication will remain a driving force in the growth of civilizations. “For nuanced communications or in dire situations, the human ability to signal each other directly remains a critical skill,” he asserted. “AI will never change that. Instead, it can improve the way we teach languages.”

The third section presents practical approaches to integrating AI into language learning. These include interactions with generative AI for lesson preparation, one-on-one training sessions with language models to correct mistakes, and the creation of role-play and debate scenarios to make classes more engaging. “These possibilities reach beyond language education alone. With AI, instructors can allow for student-oriented, higher learning to take place in every field of education,” said Prof. Yu.

The final section looks ahead to how AI will reshape foreign language education. While AI can provide personalized and accessible language interactions, Prof. Yu emphasized that the role of the human instructor remains essential for building emotionally and culturally sensitive language use. As such, he concluded that the future of foreign language education lies in cooperation between artificial and human intelligence.

Prof. Yu’s Advice for Readers

Prof. Yu encouraged learners and instructors to recognize AI as a chance for improvement. He also called for the implementation of this new technology in the public and private sectors of education. “Instructors should understand both the strengths and limitations of AI while using these powerful aids to provide bountiful learning experiences,” he highlighted.

For learners, he recommended actively engaging with AI to create new learning methods, asking it questions rather than only seeking answers, reassessing their own input, and learning how to learn in the process. “In the end, students are the ones who have to learn,” he added. “My advice for them is to look in the long term and utilize AI to improve their own skills instead of regarding it merely as a convenient solution to temporary tasks.”

Prof. Yu concluded, “Languages are part of human nature. Using tools like AI will not diminish the need for language skills, nor degrade the value of learning a new language. Through my book, I hope everyone understands that foreign language education is not going away, and that at the same time, we can choose to improve the current educational process with AI.”

AI’s potential in foreign language education is being actively explored. With the dawn of the AI era, this book offers guidance to scholars and educators, challenging misconceptions and presenting practical methods to inspire change. Through Prof. Yu’s newest book, it is hoped that KHU faculty and students will also be able to reflect on AI’s role in shaping the future of foreign language education.