AI INTEGRATION IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND FOREIGN LANGUAGE (SFL) PEDAGOGY: CONTEXTUALIZING TECHNOLOGICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR AZERBAIJANI HIGHER EDUCATION

In Azerbaijani higher education, tertiary students frequently learn English as a Second Foreign Language (SFL) alongside a previously learned foreign language, such as Russian, French or German. Teaching English within this multilingual context involves complex cognitive, linguistic, and affective challenges. Building upon the foundational research of Hajiyeva (2025), this study critically evaluates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in optimizing English SFL instruction for Azerbaijani university students. The paper explores how AI-driven adaptive learning tools can mitigate cross-linguistic interference, lower language anxiety, and personalize learning paths. Furthermore, it recognizes the vital contribution of human pedagogical oversight in fostering cultural relevance, upholding ethical principles, and providing empathetic mentorship.