Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language through Urban Texts

An urban text is a type of literary text that foregrounds a system of urban signs and images. In this regard, it possesses a strong methodological potential as a tool for language and culture acquisition. This article addresses the use of artificial intelligence in teaching Russian as a foreign language (RFL) to develop communicative skills through urban texts. To be utilized as an authentic cultural resource, the urban text requires new RFL teaching methodologies in the era of digitalization and neural networks. The authors developed an algorithm for using AI when working with urban texts in RFL classes. The methodology includes theoretical analysis, problem-oriented analysis, and the descriptive method. Integrating AI tools into RFL teaching makes complex urban texts more accessible to international learners, who acquire a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context and get access to diverse interactive and visual classroom activities, which increases their motivation. Ultimately, the tandem of AI tools and urban text becomes a multifunctional resource that supports language learning, facilitates cultural immersion, and develops critical thinking.