Generative artificial intelligence and ELT

Abstract There is undoubtedly, and understandably, a growing interest in incorporating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies into ELT. While advanced AI models have the potential to support language education, offering new tools and resources to enhance learning, their use also raises important questions regarding ethics and responsibility. As we follow the emergence of GenAI as another ELT tool, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of these technologies and maintaining the core values of effective pedagogy. Educators must develop clear guidelines and best practices for the responsible integration of AI in the classroom, ensuring that it enhances rather than replaces human interaction and critical thinking. In this Special Issue on GenAI and ELT we explore some of the applications, their potential, and the challenges of incorporating GenAI in ELT.