Digital Humanities 5.0 and AI for Transformative English Language Pedagogy: The AIMED Framework

The rapid convergence of Digital Humanities (DH) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the contemporary landscape of English Language Pedagogy (ELP). As higher education shifts toward data-rich, technologically mediated ecosystems, the need to move beyond conventional instructional models becomes increasingly urgent. This paper proposes an integrated, future-facing pedagogical paradigm that synthesizes Digital Humanities methodologies with intelligent AI systems, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning analytics, AR/VR-enhanced immersive environments, and multimodal interaction tools. These components collectively inform the AIMED Framework (Artificial Intelligence and Multimodal Ecosystems for Digital Humanities–Enhanced English Pedagogy), designed to unify adaptive intelligence, multimodal learning pathways, and cultural-historical perspectives from DH. The study explores theoretical foundations, pedagogical affordances, instructional redesign strategies, ethical considerations, and implications for learner autonomy, cultural literacy, and critical digital competence. The paper concludes with a framework for implementing transformative, inclusive, and cognitively engaging English language learning ecosystems in academic institutions.