I’ve always been fascinated by languages and have taken interest in learning multiple languages. Apart from my native language Malayalam, I’m proficient in English, Hindi, know intermediate Spanish, and beginner-level Dutch, Tamil and Punjabi. All of them were learnt majorly with the help of online language learning platforms such as Duolingo with curated language lessons, Hellotalk which connects you with language exchange partners and Discord, where there are communities for learning specific languages.
As a long time user of Duolingo I’ve seen it grow as a platform, as earlier it used to have multiple sentences that are not useful, but now the experience has improved manifold. The latest improvement is Super Duolingo that have features powered by Generative AI – Explain My Answer and Roleplay.
Earlier, if I made a mistake on Duolingo, it would simply let me know the correction without any explanation as to where I was going wrong. The only place to find explanations were discussion boards the Duolingo community will answer your questions. But now with the introduction of “Explain my answer” feature, community learning might become obsolete as the feature lets the user understand correctly where they went wrong by letting them chat with Duo (AI chatbot of Duolingo) for clarification and examples.
The second feature, Roleplay, helps the learners practice conversation skills with characters in the app that use Generative AI to provide unique, interactive conversations. ChatGPT can also be used for similar purposes. When I recently started learning Dutch, it was the most convenient place to start the learning journey. The instant answers to my queries and the ability to have conversations where ChatGPT would talk to be in Dutch while showing the translations of every sentence simultaneously is a revolutionary learning method. I’ve tried using this method for learning Spanish as well, as there is no need to factor in time-zones with ChatGPT as opposed to a language partner that I have in Latin America.
In ChatGPT and Super Duolingo, I’ve a learning tool that is ready to answer my query at any time, and can do the work that Hellotalk and Discord does in a much simpler manner. Once the same tools can also respond to you the same way in speech, the need for human interactions will be largely reduced. However, a language exchange partner is also a cultural exchange partner where you learn about each other cultures and you are teaching a language you know and learning a new one. I believe that AI cannot replace this fulfilling human experience.
Did you try to use Generative AI for learning languages? If so, do you think it can replace humans as a language tutor?
Your post is really insightful because you discuss and compare three different online sources for language learning as well as ChatGPT. I also started using Duolingo to learn basic Dutch, but I use only the free version of the app. Therefore, I haven’t experienced the premium features that you have mentioned. However, my opinion of Duolingo is that it is relatively difficult to learn a language from scratch only using the app. My idea is that the app itself does not explain the grammar and why you should use a certain word here and there (such as when we use some and any). I just have to guess why it is like that and memorize it, but the premium features are improving that in a way. I agree that the real experience with a native speaker teaching you the language as well as the culture and behaviour cannot be replaced by Generative AI. But then here comes the question, would we need to speak so many languages any time soon as Generative AI is already here?
Thank you for this interesting post and for explaining another application of generative AI that I wasn’t aware of until now! I think it’s cool that you were able to learn this many languages using online platforms, such as Duolingo, and that this is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to learn a new language.
Additionally, I think that integrating generative AI into these online platforms will only increase the accessibility to affordable and adequate education with regard to learning a language. As you mentioned, it will be way easier for users to get an explanation about why their answer was wrong and they don’t have to wait for humans to react on a forum (if you receive a response in the first place, which is also questionable), since the AI will be available at all times.
Personally, I don’t think generative AI can replace a human tutor for 100%, but there is less time required with a tutor because generative AI is able to solve more and more problems and give better explanations. For some really specific cases, generative AI might not be able to give the answer you’re looking for and in those cases, a tutor will still be useful. In addition, the cultural aspects of a language are also hard to learn via generative AI, as you already mentioned.
All in all, an interesting use case of generative AI and a nice blog to read!
I appreciate your insightful blog post on language learning and Generative AI! Your passion for languages and your exploration of online platforms are commendable. Your point about AI reducing the need for human interaction in language learning is valid. AI can provide quick, efficient answers and practice opportunities, but it may not fully replace the cultural exchange and nuanced interactions that come with human language partners. Language exchange is not just about language; it’s also about sharing and learning from each other’s cultures, which AI cannot replicate.
I also believe that ChatGPT is not an ideal tool for learning all languages, particularly those that do not use alphabetic characters, such as Chinese and Arabic. I’ve attempted to ask questions in these languages, but it seems that ChatGPT either struggles to comprehend or is unable to translate my inquiries accurately. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily imply that there won’t be improvements in the future.
In my opinion, Generative AI and language-learning tools like Super Duolingo and ChatGPT are excellent supplements to language learning. They can enhance vocabulary, provide practice, and offer immediate feedback. However, the irreplaceable human touch in language exchange, with its cultural richness and interpersonal connections, remains a vital aspect of language learning that AI cannot entirely replace.
That is an amazingly interesting post! Being a long-time user of Duolingo, I must admit — the app is quite powerful in terms of their retention strategy. However, I cannot admit that the era of learning languages without humans has arrived. There are two main thoughts that I have to share and I would love to welcome anyone interested into the discussion)
First thought is more technical and is related to my personal experience. Even though it is easy to boost vocabulary and grammar with the help of AI tools, I still struggle with simple everyday conversations. In particular, the speaking part is where all this experience fades away, and the language barrier begins. I admit that this issue can be mitigated via learning songs and talking to AI tools in a foreign language, however, it destroyed the atmosphere a bit to me. Besides, I still find it most efficient to gain active vocabulary in real life with real humans.
The second thought is related to the purpose of learning languages. Given that we have such tools as ChatGPT and Google Translate, there is little need left for people to actually learn a foreign language apart from English if there is no bureaucratic request. This is so because of the globalisation trend and widespread use of English. So, if a person is not interested in becoming a part of foreign culture, they may refrain from learning. And the actually interested in learning languages people would do that so to interact with native speakers. Therefore, seems like the technology is actually providing a new version of help, but not displacing the old approach.
What do you think?