Investigating Mandarin Writing and ChatGPT Using the Sociocultural Theory

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed language learning methods. ChatGPT has become one of the most popular tools in language learning as it can assist learners in different aspects, including generating ideas, checking vocabulary and grammar, improving sentence structure, and revising written work. This study aims to investigate Mandarin writing and ChatGPT through the perspective of sociocultural theory, focusing on the More Knowledgeable Other (MKO), Scaffolding, and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This quantitative study used a 5-point Likert-scale survey adapted from Vygotsky (1978), Raoofi et al. (2017), and Youssef et al. (2024). A total of 203 Mandarin learners from a local university in Malaysia participated in this study. The findings showed that learners generally perceived ChatGPT as a useful, supportive tool in Mandarin writing. The study also found significant relationships between ChatGPT and MKO, Scaffolding, and ZPD. The result suggests that ChatGPT can be integrated into Mandarin writing tasks as a guided learning tool. However, learners should still think critically to verify ChatGPT responses independently and be actively involved in the whole writing process.