Perceived Anthropomorphism and Learner Agency in Self‐Directed Use of GenAI for Informal Language Learning: A Metaphor Study

ABSTRACT

GenAI has the potential to empower self‐directed informal language learning. Yet, given its mixed blessings for learner agency, understanding factors that shape agency enactment in actualizing this potential is essential. Perceived anthropomorphism is central to learner agency with GenAI, as the extent to which learners anthropomorphize GenAI may frame relationships of engagement. This study explored the relationship of perceived anthropomorphism with learner agency by complementing a survey study with 397 Chinese undergraduate English language learners with an interview study with 22 participants. MANCOVA analysis revealed that anthropomorphic perception was a significant predictor of learning proxy agency and spatial agency. Interview responses further revealed that anthropomorphic perceptions are situation‐specific and varied in nuanced ways according to how learners perceived their power relations with GenAI and the symbolic resources they attributed to it, potentially contributing to divergent trajectories of learner agency with GenAI. Moreover, perceived anthropomorphism was intertwined with an array of individual, socio‐educational, and socio‐technical factors in shaping agency enactment. The findings advocate metaphor interventions to expand learner agency with GenAI for self‐directed informal language learning, underscoring a differentiated but integrative approach to cater support on different agency dimensions.