The Impact Of AI-Assisted Learning On Intercultural Vocabulary Acquisition Via Youtube Videos: An Experimental Study

This study investigates the effectiveness of Generative AI in helping EFL learners decode culture-loaded vocabulary within YouTube-mediated input. Adopting a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, 120 English majors participated in an eight-week intervention. Findings reveal that AI-assisted learners significantly outperformed the dictionary-based control group in vocabulary retention. Qualitative data indicate that learners perceive AI as an effective cultural mediator, valuing its capacity for real-time, contextualized explanations of complex idioms and regional slang. The study demonstrates that AI integration reduces cognitive barriers, fostering greater learner autonomy and intercultural communicative competence. Pedagogical implications suggest that while AI offers robust scaffolding, its use must be balanced with critical inquiry to prevent over-reliance and enhance learner self-efficacy. Future research should explore longitudinal effects, specific prompting strategies, and the synergy between AI-assisted learning and gamified instruction to optimize pedagogical outcomes in EFL education.