AI in Language Learning Now

            With all the fervor surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is helpful to look at specifics in how the technology will change language learning. Already, the top language learning app Duolingo is using ChatGPT 4 in its Duolingo Max subscription(in certain countries) to offer “Explain My Answer” and “Roleplay”, which acts as a tutor to correct grammar and interact in conversation scenarios, respectively. This addresses two, very important features in language learning by providing feedback and having another “person” to speak with. Back and forth conversations are essential to language learning, and now you are able to speak with “someone” anytime, anywhere, about anything.

            The reason AI is now becoming powerful enough to conversate is through advances in natural language processing, a machine learning technology that gives computers the ability to interpret, manipulate, and understand human language. The technology has been around for 50 years, but the large volumes of voice and text data in everything from emails to YouTube have provided enough information for large language models to process, analyze, and respond to human communication.

            The tutor and conversational features of Duolingo’s new AI capability will be ubiquitous in many digital places in the future. This is due to the size and strength of ChatGPT’s large language model. Many new language learning apps are trying to use AI to gain traction in software development, but most must use ChatGPT’s application programming interface(API). Although only offered in English, Speak, a startup funded by ChatGPT’s company OpenAI, has built an amazing example of how AI can be used in language learning.

            We are not aware of another app this good for Spanish, but will certainly let students know when we do. Other apps aren’t worth mentioning because there are so many, and they have scripted conversations that are basic.

            ChatGPT itself is a great place to do non-speaking language learning. The key is inputting the correct prompt. You can ask many different things as it relates to learning Spanish- vocabulary of anything, have it write a paragraph, create a conversation, roleplay, or ask about a grammar topic specifically. If you want to ask for something even more detailed, ask for a specific format (Table, guide…) As we will show in the following example:

AI in Language Learning Now

            Jerry Registre a YouTuber on Spanish learning, suggests some good prompt templates:

  • I’m a [level] [language] student, explain [concept] to me with plenty of examples.

  • Write a back and forth dialogue between two people in natural [language] about [topic] for a student at a [language level]

  • I’m a [level] [language] student. Create a [type of quiz] for me to improve at [language concept]

  • Act as my [language] teacher and conversation partner. Let’s have a back and forth chat in [language] at a [level] about [topic]. You start the conversation.

  • I’m an [level] [language] student. Create a study plan for me that includes the concepts I should master to get to the next level. Include examples for each concept, and add a final sample daily routine I can follow.

 

            As a leader in AI, Google’s Bard offer’s similar features and has an audio input in the prompt. We will cover that in a later post. The one caveat to AI is it isn’t always right and it isn’t real life conversing! For that, travel, interact with your community, and engage with a great teacher. We will try to stay on top of all the great resources to help your language learning journey.