The way we learn languages is evolving, and artificial intelligence is playing a significant role in this transformation. From chatbots that offer conversational practice to AI-powered apps providing personalized feedback, the landscape of language acquisition is rapidly changing. Many learners are now turning to AI tools to supplement, and in some cases, even replace traditional methods.
One personal anecdote highlights this shift. When I shared with a friend from Argentina that I was using ChatGPT to practice Spanish, his initial reaction was humorous skepticism. He jokingly asked if he had been replaced. While AI cannot replicate the nuances of human interaction and friendship, its convenience and versatility as a language learning tool are undeniable. AI offers instant error correction, exposure to diverse regional dialects like Mexican or Argentinian Spanish, and even playful Spanglish, all available at any time, regardless of time zone differences.
This experience is not unique. Across the globe, individuals are discovering the advantages of incorporating AI into their language learning journeys. A construction worker in Costa Rica utilizes an AI-powered keyboard to refine his English technical vocabulary, saving valuable time in finding the precise English terms for specialized tools. In South Africa, a café owner with ADHD leverages ChatGPT to generate customized grammar study aids, such as verb tense charts, overcoming challenges in finding suitable traditional resources.
The surge in interest has spurred developers to create specialized AI language learning applications. These apps, often built on open-source code, cater specifically to language learners, sometimes offering more focused and relevant features than general-purpose chatbots like Replika. While Replika has been used by students for informal English practice, Blanka Klímová, an associate professor of applied linguistics at the University of Hradec Králové in Czechia, notes its limitations. These include repetitive conversations, lack of language correction, and, in some concerning instances, inappropriate requests from the chatbot.
Alt text: AI language learning app Tutor Lily interface showing a chat conversation, illustrating AI-driven language practice.
One such specialized app is LangAI, launched by Federico Ruiz Cassarino. Drawing from his own experience of learning English after moving from Uruguay to the UK, Ruiz Cassarino emphasizes the effectiveness of daily conversational practice over purely academic methods. His app aims to replicate this immersive experience, allowing users to engage in conversations and learn Italian, as he currently does. He points out that AI chatbots remove the self-consciousness many feel when making mistakes in front of human tutors or language partners. The advanced nature of current generative AI facilitates the creation of “AI pen pals,” making learning feel less like a chore and more like engaging in interesting dialogues. Unlike pre-scripted role-playing scenarios, AI enables conversations about personally relevant topics, enhancing engagement and motivation.
While popular platforms like ChatGPT and Bard are utilized for language practice, Ruiz Cassarino argues for the value of tailored language acquisition apps like LangAI. These platforms are designed with specific learner needs in mind. LangAI, for example, customizes the user interface to match vocabulary levels, provides in-conversation corrections, and incorporates speech-to-text features. Ruiz Cassarino reports impressive user retention rates for an educational app, with a significant percentage of initial users continuing to engage with the app after a month. Future developments for LangAI include personalized chatbot tone and personality, skill tracking, and even the ability to converse with virtual historical figures, further enhancing the learning experience and personalization.
Alt text: Diverse icons of language learning apps displayed on a mobile phone screen, representing the variety of AI-powered language tools available for download.
Research supports the effectiveness of AI chatbots in language learning. Assoc Prof Klímová’s research project, Language in the Human-Machine Era, indicates that AI chatbots are beneficial for vocabulary expansion, grammar improvement, and overall language skill development, especially when corrective feedback is provided. Established language learning platforms are also integrating AI to stay competitive. Duolingo, for instance, partnered with OpenAI in 2022, leveraging the power of GPT-4 to enhance its offerings.
However, AI is unlikely to completely displace platforms like Duolingo. Joy Ehonwa, an editor and writer in Lagos, primarily uses Duolingo to learn French but also incorporates a Nigerian-developed AI chatbot, Kainene vos Savant, into her learning routine. She describes interacting with Kainene as conversing with an “all-knowing human friend,” particularly when seeking clarification on grammar points. Ehonwa finds Kainene invaluable for understanding the “why” behind language rules, especially when Duolingo’s explanations fall short. She uses the chatbot to understand grammatical nuances and sentence structures that differ from English, her native language.
Alt text: Portrait of Joy Ehonwa, a language learner in Lagos, smiling confidently, representing individuals benefiting from AI language learning support.
Despite the advancements, AI language learning is not without limitations. Users report varying quality levels across languages, with performance being strongest in widely spoken European languages. Languages with less online representation or different writing systems may experience degraded quality. Furthermore, even for common languages, AI chatbots can make mistakes, sometimes even fabricating words. The confident and authoritative tone of AI outputs can be misleading, potentially leading novice learners to accept inaccuracies as correct.
Ethical concerns also exist. Emily M Bender, a professor of computational linguistics at the University of Washington, raises questions about potential biases and inappropriate language patterns that AI chatbots might inadvertently teach learners. Data privacy is another crucial ethical consideration that needs careful attention in the development and deployment of AI language learning tools.
Looking ahead, Assoc Prof Klímová anticipates a significant market for AI in language education. She highlights the remarkable progress in accuracy demonstrated by GPT-4, available through ChatGPT’s paid subscription. While many educators may disagree, she believes that AI could eventually replace human language teachers in some capacities. However, she also acknowledges the enduring importance of teachers as mentors and facilitators, particularly for beginners and older learners who benefit from personalized guidance and understanding of individual learning styles. The future likely involves a blended approach, where teachers adapt to integrate AI as a valuable tool in their pedagogy. As Assoc Prof Klímová concludes, technology is here to stay, necessitating a re-evaluation of teaching methodologies and assessment strategies in the age of AI-powered language learning.
