Can AI help you learn a language?

Although it can sometimes seem like you are having a conversation with a human, it is crucial to remember that you are only interacting with a language model—a chatbot. And that has its limitations.

1. Lack of cultural context

Learning a language goes far beyond words and grammar; it is also about culture. Only human beings understand cultural nuances. Suppose you have a formal business meeting in Italy. During an Italian language training course, your trainer can explain to you what to look out for, how best to communicate and maybe even which gestures it is better not to make.

2. No feedback on deeper issues

AI can correct grammatical mistakes, but it does not recognise why you have made those mistakes. An experienced language trainer can do that. Your brain may well be confusing the structures of your mother tongue with those of the target language. Or perhaps you feel insecure, which is making you afraid to speak. AI lacks these human insights.

3. Lack of motivation and structure

Many people get off to an enthusiastic start with language apps yet lose motivation after a few weeks. AI offers no personalised support or encouragement when you are struggling. In contrast, a language trainer can help you press on just when you feel like giving up. This is especially important if you are a beginner learning a language such as Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese or Russian. That can sometimes be so complicated that you might be tempted to throw in the towel.

4. Not suitable for advanced communication

AI can be strong in simple conversations and direct translations. But when you need advanced skills, such as navigating your way through serious business meetings or understanding idioms and expressions, AI generally misses the mark. The finer points of language are learned from humans.

AI best plays a supporting role in foreign language learning

Learning a language is about forging connections, building confidence and understanding nuances. Those human skills are best learned from fellow human beings. But AI can help! For example, because it is important to stay engaged with the language before and after your training, you can:

• Use AI and apps to prepare and learn vocabulary and basic grammar before your course.
• Practise between and after lessons using chatbots such as ChatGPT. That way, you can easily apply what you have learnt.
• After your training, have AI check your texts and see what AI corrects. You can integrate those suggestions into your own work the next time around.