Description
Abstract
This chapter provides a historical overview of the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL), often labeled Intelligent CALL (ICALL). It traces the development from early milestones in AI and language learning, such as Turing’s 1948 predictions and the 1950 Turing Test, to the advent of generative AI (GenAI). The chapter highlights key developments, including the first ICALL system in 1978 and the evolution of natural language processing (NLP) from symbolic to statistical and neural network approaches. The limitations and achievements of ICALL are used as a comparative lens on GenAI. The chapter concludes with seven lessons drawn from ICALL’s history, offering insights into the potential and challenges of integrating GenAI in language education today and in the future.