Using social robots for language learning: are we there yet?

Abstract Along with the development of speech and language technologies growing market interest, social robots have attracted more academic commercial attention in recent decades. Their multimodal embodiment offers a broad range possibilities, which gained importance education sector. It has also led to new technology-based field education: robot-assisted learning (RALL). RALL developed rapidly second learning, especially driven by need compensate for shortage first-language tutors. There are many implementation cases studies robots, from early government-led attempts Japan South Korea increasing research interests Europe worldwide. Compared used English as foreign (EFL), however, there fewer on applying teaching Chinese (CFL). One potential reason is that not well-known CFL field. This scope review paper fill this gap addressing balance between classroom frontiers robots. The first introduces technical tool RALL, namely robot, at high level. then presents historical overview real-life classrooms East Asia Europe. provides summary evaluation perspectives L2 learners, teachers technology developers. overall goal gain insights into RALL’s challenges identify rich set open questions CFL. hoped may inform interdisciplinary analysis practice scientific front-line future.