University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language Institute Generative AI Initiative

Recognizing the potential affordances–and the many potential pitfalls and ethical concerns–posed by generative artificial intelligence to language education and research, the Language Institute is hosting a series of events and other forms of programming to provide a forum for UW–Madison language educators and researchers to critically engage with the affordances of generative AI in the context of language teaching and research. We are not advocating for its use.

Plans in 2026-27 include:

  • A non-credit certificate program on AI in World Language Education, hosted by The Ohio State University Center for Languages, Linguistics, and Cultures. Twelve UW–Madison language instructors are participating in this program at no cost.
  • A new initiative, Advancing Less Commonly Taught Languages with AI (pending grant funding)
  • Local co-sponsorship of the International Association for Language Learning Technology Conference (not specifically focused on AI, but will include presentations and possibly workshops on the topic)

In 2025-26, the initiative expanded to include AI and research in language studies:

In 2024-25, this initiative focused on AI and language teaching and learning: