(M)other Tongue: Towards generating an ideal L2 self

The (M)other Tongue project is a contribution to research in applied linguistics on the use of generative intelligent tools (AI) for additional language learning. 2023 saw the commercialisation on-line of several AI-enabled multilingual video services, with at least one including lip-synchronisation and translation functions. The (M)other Tongue project aims to determine relevant pedagogical uses of this type of video-platform for foreign language learning by evaluating the possible perceptive and imitational value of translated videos of adult learners of additional languages. This pilot study worked with fifteen volunteer university lecturers for whom videos of them speaking their L1 were translated into another language. Both the quality of the video products and the emotional impact on the participants were then assessed and recommendations made as to how such tools could further several areas of applied linguistics inquiry, including ideal L2 self-theory, motivation, imitation and pronunciation. This article presents and discusses this preliminary study and the next steps envisaged for a larger-scale study with non-specialist students of English.