Application of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Specialized Chinese Teaching: A Case Study of Chinese Medicine Antonym and Synonym Teaching

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the convergence between the global “Chinese language fever” and “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fever,” teaching Chinese for Specific Purposes (CSP) is presented with a developmental opportunity. TCM antonym terms, characterized primarily by binary opposition relationships, centrally embody the dialectical thinking of TCM. However, due to their metaphorical and abstract nature, learners face difficulties in comprehension. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technology offers a new pathway for teaching. Based on the metaphorical cognitive mechanism and binary opposition structure of TCM language, this paper categorizes these terms into spatial, attributive, and functional antonymous pairs. It explores the auxiliary role of GenAI in vocabulary teaching, including concept establishment, comparative explanation, scenario simulation, and the generation of differentiated exercises. The paper also proposes new pedagogical reflections, such as developing school-based curricula with regional cultural characteristics, promoting the transformation of teachers’ roles, and establishing intelligent assessment and learning progress tracking systems. In the future, generative artificial intelligence is expected to provide more precise support for TCM Chinese teaching, driving CSP toward a new stage of intelligence and personalization.