<![CDATA[Artificial intelligence in foreign language education is gaining attention, but empirical research on its effectiveness in reducing speaking anxiety remains limited. This mixed-methods study investigates the role of Talkpal AI, an AI-based speaking tutor, in reducing Arabic-speaking anxiety among Chinese undergraduate students. A total of 32 students participated in a three-week online intervention. Quantitative data collected through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires revealed significant reductions in test anxiety and fear of negative evaluation. In contrast, no significant changes were found in communication apprehension and classroom-related anxiety. Qualitative interviews further explained undergraduates’ experiences with Talkpal AI tutor, highlighting high perceived usefulness, ease of use, and motivation due to real-time feedback and a judgment-free learning environment. The findings suggest that while Talkpal AI cannot fully replace human interaction or address all anxiety dimensions, it can serve as an effective supplementary tool to support Arabic-speaking confidence, especially in exam preparation.]]>
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