Mapping the Landscape of Research on AI Application in English Language Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

The study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to map research trends and practices in artificial intelligence (AI) applications in English language education. Scopus database was used to locate the research articles using predefined criteria. Drawing on 499 Scopus-indexed articles published up to 15 June 2025, the analysis revealed a sharp increase in publications after 2021, reflecting growing global interest in the field. China leads in publication volume, while countries like India demonstrate high citation impact, indicating global and interdisciplinary engagement. The findings highlight the integration of AI technologies, such as chatbots, generative AI, natural language processing, and speech recognition, shifting English teaching and learning from teacher-centred to learner-centred approaches. By systematically mapping key authors, journals, countries, and thematic trends, the study provides insights into the evolving landscape of AI in English education, supporting educators, researchers, and policymakers in leveraging AI to create personalised, engaging, and equitable English language learning environments.