Herkunftssprachen mit ChatGPT integrieren: KI-Nutzung für den herkunftssprachensensiblen Französischunterricht am Beispiel des Ukrainischen

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of heritage languages in French language teaching through the use of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT. With the growing multimodal capabili­ties of AI, the potential for its application in foreign language education has expanded signifi­cantly. One of the key challenges in plurilingual didactics is to involve the whole linguistic repertoire of students in language learning, especially when dealing with heritage languages that may lack educational resources. The study explores how AI can serve as a support tool for teachers by providing linguistic insights, comparative analyses and didactic materials tailored to students’ linguistic backgrounds. It discusses three levels of AI integration to support teach­ers: as an assistant for routine tasks, as a supplement to teachers’ existing skills, and as a re­placement for non-existent expertise – and warns against overreliance on AI-generated content. Using Ukrainian as an example, the paper evaluates different strategies for applying ChatGPT in vocabulary work, language contrast exercises and lesson planning. The current quality of the AI output suggests that while ChatGPT can significantly support heritage language-sensitive teaching, critical evaluation of the output remains essential. The paper concludes with reflec­tions on the evolving role of AI in education and its implications for plurilingual didactics.