A Systematic Review of Generative AI in CALL Published Research in Scholarly Journals

Choubsaz, Yazdan; Arizavi, Saleh

doi:10.30470/irelc.2025.2058464.1021

A Systematic Review of Generative AI in CALL Published Research in Scholarly Journals

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Yazdan Choubsaz

Saleh Arizavi

Department of English for Sciences, Center for Preparatory Studies, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

10.30470/irelc.2025.2058464.1021

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically examine attitudes toward GenAI and its applications in CALL research published in top-tier CALL journals. Forty papers met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were classified as attitudinal, empirical, and combined. Using a principled approach to coding and thematizing the data based on the research questions of the current study, major themes and trends were identified. Findings indicate an overall positive attitude to GenAI integration into CALL research, while negative voices were also detected concerning the biased nature of GenAI in relation to certain stereotypes and access inequalities. Regarding empirical research, it turned out that most were conducted in formal settings and were most effective in the writing skill, followed by speaking skills, revealing a serious gap in connection to the other language skills and subskills. The study also discusses research-related implications and then concludes with suggestions for further examination of GenAI in view of the observed limitations.

Keywords

GenAI

CALL Research

CALL Journals

Subjects