Day 18 of 30 Day AI Challenge – Mastering A New Language using AI

For those just joining us, every day during this challenge, I’m going to try and do something different or better, using currently available Artificial Intelligence tools.

For today’s challenge, I’m going to take on Language Learning, to see how AI can potentially add value (or perhaps even revolutionize the space).

Language Learning with AI: A Game-Changer?

If you’ve ever tried learning a new language, you know it can be quite the challenge. This feels like an area where artificial intelligence (AI) can certainly add some value and make the process more effective, engaging, and fun.

Personalized Learning Experiences

One of the main challenges in traditional language learning is the lack of personalization. We all have different learning styles and paces, which means that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it. Enter AI! With AI-powered language apps like Duolingo and Babbel, you get a personalized learning experience tailored to your needs. These apps track your progress and adapt to your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that you learn at your own pace and in a way that suits you best. For example, here’s my own experience with Duolingo, as I attempt to master the basics of the Klingon language 🙂

Interactive Conversations

One of the most effective ways to learn a language is by practicing conversation with native speakers. But, let’s face it, finding a conversation partner can be difficult. Services like Tandem allow you to connect with other native language speakers (humans) to learn from them. Apps like Mondly, on the other hand, offer loads of real conversations to help with fluency, while also tapping into new tech like AR and VR. With generative AI tools like ChatGPT though, chatbots can potentially simulate real-life conversations, helping you practice speaking and listening skills without the need for a human partner. And the best part? These chatbots are available 24/7, so you can practice whenever it’s most convenient for you!

I wanted to run a quick test with ChatGPT to see how well it does on this front, but first, I asked it about which languages it could handle and at what level of fluency:

Let’s give German a shot…

The chat bot did even better than I expected, even speaking in German (besides the questions phrased in English), which feels a lot more immersive and a lot like a native German teacher would act.

Interestingly enough, Duolingo has recently introduced a new subscription tier, Duolingo Max, featuring AI-powered tools utilizing OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology. Priced at $29.99 per month or $167.99 per year, Duolingo Max offers two new features: Roleplay and Explain My Answer. Roleplay uses an AI chatbot to help users practice real-world conversations in various scenarios, while Explain My Answer helps users understand their correct or incorrect responses in lessons. Currently, the features are available only for Spanish and French courses for English speakers on iOS, but the company plans to expand to more courses and platforms. Duolingo Max also includes unlimited hearts, no ads, and personalized review through the app’s Practice Hub. Duolingo has collaborated closely with OpenAI to test and train the technology, aiming to minimize mistakes and maintain an appropriate tone for the chatbot.

Real-time Feedback

Remember the time when you had to wait for your language teacher to grade your work? Those days are gone! As you can see with the example above, with AI-powered language learning tools like GPT-4 and Duolingo Max, you can get real-time feedback on your writing and speaking. These tools not only point out your mistakes but also suggest corrections and improvements. This immediate feedback is invaluable, allowing you to learn from your errors and hone your language skills quickly.

Immersive Learning Environments

One of the coolest things about AI is its ability to create immersive learning environments that simulate real-life situations.

For example, Rosetta Stone has integrated augmented reality and machine learning into its iPhone app, allowing users to identify and translate real-world objects using their phone camera. The app’s new Seek & Speak feature is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, with more languages planned for the future. Additional enhancements include Embedded Translations and an updated offline Phrasebook.

Another great example is Mondly, as discussed above. Mondly AR is a language learning app that uses augmented reality (AR) to create an immersive learning experience. The app features a virtual language teacher and allows users to practice real-life conversations with a chatbot, while also offering interactive lessons that adapt to users’ needs. The app uses speech recognition technology to provide instant feedback on pronunciation and facilitates a lifelike conversational partner for a captivating language learning journey.

On the other hand, Mondly VR is a pioneering language learning app that uses virtual reality (VR) to offer immersive language practice in 30 languages. The app allows users to engage in real-life conversations in various scenarios, providing instant feedback on pronunciation and helping build confidence in speaking foreign languages. With its innovative and easy-to-use approach, users can explore new worlds and learn languages without needing to travel.

Gamification

Let’s be honest, learning a language can sometimes feel like a chore. AI has found a way to make it more enjoyable by incorporating gamification elements into the learning process. Apps like Duolingo use notifications, rewards, challenges, and streaks incredibly well to keep you motivated and engaged.

This gamified approach not only makes language learning more fun but also helps you retain new information more effectively. Their attempt at making learning ‘fun’ even extends to tapping into Internet memes to get people back on the app and using it again (see below):

So, there you have it! AI certainly has the potential to transform the way we learn languages, making it more personalized, interactive, and enjoyable. If you haven’t tried any of these AI-powered language learning tools, now’s the perfect time to give them a shot.

As the Klingon would say…I wish you much Qapla’ (Success!)