Examining the Impact of Gamified Vocabulary Applications on Vocabulary Retention among Vietnamese EFL Learners

This survey-based study investigates the impact of AI-supported speaking practice on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ confidence at Vietnamese universities. The research aimed to identify how learners perceive the usefulness of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—particularly AI chatbots and feedback systems—in improving oral proficiency and communicative confidence. Data were collected from 120 EFL undergraduates through an online questionnaire comprising Likert-scale and open-ended items, analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that most participants held positive attitudes toward AI-mediated speaking activities, with 84% agreeing that instant AI feedback reduced anxiety and enhanced their willingness to speak. However, only moderate correlations were found between frequency of AI use and reported confidence gains (r = .32, p < .05), suggesting that while learners appreciate AI interactivity, consistent engagement and teacher mediation remain crucial for sustained improvement. Qualitative responses supported these results, emphasizing the motivational and self-regulatory benefits of personalized AI feedback. The study contributes empirical evidence to the growing field of AI-assisted language learning in Southeast Asia, highlighting the pedagogical potential of AI as a supplementary, rather than substitutive, tool for oral communication development. Recommendations for integrating AI into communicative English curricula are also discussed.