The Impact of Generative AI on Communicative Competence in English Language Teaching

Abstract

The current research paper focuses on exploring the influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on communicative competence in English Language Teaching (ELT) using the systematic review and conceptual synthesis methodology. Communicative competence, which includes grammatical, discourse, sociolinguistic, and strategic skills, continues to be the core objective in modern language education. Nevertheless, the conventional methods of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) encounter certain restrictions, such as a lack of personalization of feedback, insufficient opportunities for authentic communication, and student anxiety during face-to-face interaction. Thus, to overcome these obstacles, the present research attempts to synthesize the existing literature on the application of GenAI in ELT (2016–2026). The results show that Generative AI is extremely useful when it comes to enhancing various facets of communicative competence. With respect to the development of speaking skills, AI-based platforms offer students opportunities to improve fluency, pronunciation precision, and confidence in interaction through real-time conversation practice. In terms of writing skills, GenAI technologies help achieve higher levels of coherence, lexical diversity, and grammatical precision through adaptive feedback. Moreover, socio-pragmatic competence becomes better as learners become more aware of the use of languages in different contexts and cultures. Finally, there are significant advancements in the affective domain; learners experience reduced language anxiety and increased willingness to communicate (WTC). The study suggests that GenAI is a highly innovative pedagogical tool that goes beyond conventional ELT methods by creating personalized, interactive, and adaptive learning environments. At the same time, certain issues with implementation and integration into ELT practices emerge. There is a need for further research on classroom-based GenAI integration models within ELT.