DOI: 10.65266/QCLY8894
Full-text access available through the Modern Language Association (MLA) International Bibliography: https://about.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/mla-international-bibliography-full-text
Bibliographical Information: Maranzana, Stefano and Sandra Descourtis. “Using AI-Generated Audio and Dialogues to Improve Italian Listening Comprehension.” Annali d’italianistica 43 (2025): 411-33.
Abstract: Listening comprehension plays an essential role in Italian language acquisition, yet learners often lack adequate listening practice. This article explores the use of generative AI to create personalized Italian listening activities. Specifically, it examines integrating large language models like ChatGPT with text-to-speech technology to generate customized Italian dialogues, comprehension questions, and audio files. As Gayed et al. and Godwin-Jones have shown, AI writing assistants significantly improve learners’ language abilities. AI audio generation technologies allow control over speech speed, accent, and complexity to target different proficiency levels. Thus, AI tools can provide Italian listening practice with diverse, authenticsounding voices. This contribution shows how AI can be leveraged to create customized listening activities in Italian that match individual learners’ needs and goals, engage students, enrich their learning experience, and advance their Italian language proficiency.
Key Words: AI in language learning, Text-To-Speech for Italian listening
comprehension, Italian listening practice, Italian as a foreign language, ChatGPT for Italian instruction, customized listening activities.
