Planned Behavior and Student Engagement of Chinese Engineering Majors toward Learning English using Translation Software and Generative AI

Authors

  • Hao Sun

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Bohan Zhang

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Geyu Jiang

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Yichen Yang

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Yikerong Wang

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Awen Hou

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Junrong Ren

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China
  • Edison Estigoy

    International Engineering College, Xi 'an University of Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i10.11390
Received: 30 July 2025 | Revised: 6 August 2025 | Accepted: 12 September 2025 | Published Online: 16 October 2025

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the planned behavior and non-language major students' engagement in China when using generative AI and translation software to learn English. This study examines the engagement of 327 undergraduate engineering students in China with educational technology tools in their English language learning, using a convenience sampling method and an online survey to measure factors such as personal norm, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention, along with engagement across behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and educational technology dimensions. The results of the survey show that Chinese non-language students agree that using generative AI and translation software can help them learn English, and they are more accustomed to using translation software to learn English than using generative AI out of concern that the use of AI could lead to academic misconduct. Additionally, students' classroom engagement and use of language technologies vary across disciplines, with more positive attitudes and higher engagement observed in fields where English is more relevant, such as computer science and mechanical engineering. The study also highlights the need for personalized approaches to technology integration and emphasizes the importance of addressing concerns around academic integrity when incorporating generative AI into  educational settings.

Keywords:

Generative AI; ChatGPT; Deepseek; Translation Software; Engineering Education; Language Learning; Planned Behavior

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How to Cite

Sun, H., Zhang, B., Jiang, G., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., Hou, A., Ren, J., & Estigoy, E. (2025). Planned Behavior and Student Engagement of Chinese Engineering Majors toward Learning English using Translation Software and Generative AI. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(10), 1468–1491. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i10.11390

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 10 (October 2025)

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Article (This article belongs to the Topical Collection“Technology-Enhanced English Language Teaching and Learning: Innovations and Practices”)

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Copyright © 2025 Hao Sun, Bohan Zhang, Geyu Jiang, Yichen Yang, Yikerong Wang, Awen Hou, Junrong Ren, Edison Estigoy

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.