Translinguo: Critically Making Chatbot Prototypes by Learning How to Write Generative AI prompts

Abstract

In this assignment, students critically tackle the biases exhibited by large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT against world Englishes and other marginalized language varieties by using prompt engineering as a means to reprogram these biases for more equitable AI outputs. This assignment, originally developed for my ENGL 430: UX Research Methods class, introduces students to ChatGPT prompts as a digital genre and presents prompt engineering as a critical making activity through which they can iteratively design prototypes of innovative chatbots to tackle social problems they see in generative AI tools. This assignment resulted in innovative designs and thoughtful reflections on AI, language, and ethics.