Abstract

Maintaining Vietnamese as a heritage language among children living overseas depends on the frequency and quality of authentic communication. Addressing the limited attention given to generative artificial intelligence within communicative ecosystems, this article proposes an analytical framework comprising three components: the communicative ecosystem, opportunities for language use, and communicative competence. Within this framework, generative AI serves as a complementary tool that expands opportunities for language practice rather than replacing human interaction. Its effectiveness depends substantially on appropriate guidance and support from adults. The proposed framework provides a theoretical foundation for future empirical studies on heritage- language maintenance in digitally mediated environments.

Keywords: Adult guidance, communicative ecosystem, generative artificial intelligence, language-use opportunities, overseas Vietnamese children, Vietnamese as a heritage language.