Enhancing Language and Cultural Competence through AI-Generated Sociocultural Scenarios

Principal Investigator
Kang Zhou and Panpan Gao, Global Studies and Languages
Fund: Education Innovation Funds
Funding Period: AY2026
Department/Lab/Center: Global Languages

In an interconnected world, cross-cultural communication is vital for global citizenship. This project integrates AI-generated Chinese sociocultural scenarios into language education, creating authentic texts that reflect Chinese culture. Instructors refine AI outputs to ensure cultural accuracy, while students observe the process, gaining insights into AI’s capabilities and limitations. By engaging with dynamic, context-rich content, students enhance linguistic proficiency, cultural competence, and critical thinking, preparing them to navigate cultural boundaries as informed global citizens. This innovative approach redefines language education, blending technology and pedagogy to foster deeper cultural understanding in the digital age.