CONVERSATION AS A PATH TO FLUENCY: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS

This article analyzes the role of conversation in developing speaking skills among English as a second language learners from a theoretical perspective. The article examines cognitive psychology, interaction approaches, sociocultural theory and affective factors in oral language acquisition. Additionally, opportunities for developing speaking skills through artificial intelligence-based chat bots are analyzed using Uzbek linguistics students as a case study. The article concludes with scientific-practical recommendations aimed at improving English language teaching methodology at Namangan State Foreign Languages Institute and other higher education institutions.