CHATBOTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPEAKING INSTRUCTION: SCENARIOS, CHALLENGES, AND INTEGRATION

The integration of chatbots into foreign language speaking instruction is rapidly expanding, yet their pedagogical impact is limited by the absence of a clear instructional framework.Often used without alignment to specific learning objectives, chatbots face challenges such as the lack of audio-visual support, limited real-time feedback, and insufficient adaptability to individual communication styles, which restrict their effectiveness in speaking practice.Despite these limitations, chatbots provide notable advantages, including 24/7 accessibility that allows learners to practice flexibly and repeatedly, creating a lowpressure environment that helps reduce speaking anxiety and increase motivation.They offer diverse language input, which may be unavailable in traditional peer or instructor interactions, supporting fluency and confidence development.This study systematically categorizes common instructional scenarios where chatbots are applied: basic speaking skills training, simulation of real-life communicative situations, automated feedback and error correction, and support of self-directed learning.It emphasizes the importance of integrating chatbots with complementary technologies-such as video conferencing, speech recognition, and learning management systems-to overcome technical and pedagogical constraints.The research advocates for pedagogically grounded, ethically responsible implementations that balance autonomous chatbot practice with interactive, teacherguided activities.Attention to data privacy, inclusivity, and academic integrity is crucial for sustainable use.Future work should focus on developing structured scenarios and combining tools to maximize the educational potential of chatbots in foreign language speaking instruction.