Bridging the cultural gap safely: How Generative AI Interlocutors alleviate intercultural communication apprehension and foster L2 willingness to communicate

This study investigated the impact of structured Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) chatbot interactions on reducing Intercultural Communication Apprehension (ICA) and enhancing Willingness to Communicate with human speakers (WTC-Human) among N = 147 Vietnamese EFL English majors. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study collected pre- and post-test survey data alongside qualitative interviews. Quantitative findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in ICA (d = 1.16) and a corresponding increase in WTC-Human (d = 1.14). Path analysis showed that ICA reduction strongly predicted increased WTC-Human. Qualitative themes highlighted GenAI as a non-evaluative digital sanctuary that scaffolded speaking self-efficacy. This study positions AI-mediated practice as a developmental bridge to real-world intercultural communication.