Using ChatGPT in Learning Chinese Mandarin: An Interactive Dictionary Rather Than a Content Facilitator

As a widely discussed AI tool in recent times, ChatGPT has been the subject of extensive research, particularly in EFL learning contexts where it is often utilized as a sophisticated grammar reviewer. This study shifted its focus to exploring ChatGPT's role in Chinese Mandarin acquisition. Seven senior students from an undergraduate Chinese-Portuguese/Portuguese-Chinese translation program in Portugal participated, with six completing a structured four-task learning activity. Analysis of participant conversations with ChatGPT, a written test conducted immediately after the activity, and a questionnaire assessing satisfaction, perceived learning effectiveness, prior tool usage, and learning outcomes revealed that ChatGPT can function as an interactive, adaptable, and comprehensive real-time dictionary for Chinese Mandarin. It effectively explains word meanings and expressions in specific linguistic contexts and suggests appropriate idiomatic expressions based on learners’ prompts. Contrary to previous findings, participants reported lower satisfaction and limited perceived learning effectiveness. This may be due to the role ChatGPT played in the present study, where it was used merely as a chatbot for target-language interaction rather than as a tool facilitating their learning process by providing ready-made responses. Additionally, participants’ attitudes and preferences for traditional learning methods may also have contributed to these results. The study suggests that effective integration of ChatGPT into Chinese language learning practices requires time and careful consideration.