Learning a new language is a popular endeavor. In a survey, 56 percent of Americans expressed the desire to travel internationally in 2023, and 45 percent expressed an interest in learning a new language before traveling in the future. Plus, Duolingo, a language-learning app, has over 500 million users, showing how desirable growing language skills is across the world.
With advances in technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to learn new languages is increasingly popular. While some early iterations that feature language processing leave a bit to be desired, new advances may fundamentally alter how people learn new languages.
Complex algorithms and learning models are increasingly capable of analyzing speech, allowing them to account for pronunciation, context, and grammatical accuracy. Along with helping people hone their skills relating to their primary language, the technology could support an array of language learning objectives. Here’s an overview of how AI can make learning a new language easier.
Using AI to Learn New Languages
Translation Capabilities
Machine translation using AI isn’t a new development, but it’s becoming more capable as time passes. AI is increasingly able to factor in context when translating statements, phrases, and words, and that can help anyone learning a new language fill in gaps in their knowledge. Essentially, a learner could give the AI a full statement and request the definition of the portion they don’t understand. That allows a person to further their understanding of a language without having to manually lookup terms.
Pronunciation Guidance
Specific AI technologies can process verbal information using natural language processing and other capabilities. For example, Alexa is a voice-based solution that analyzes speech and responds based on what’s given. When it comes to language learning, AI could provide immediate feedback on a person’s pronunciation using similar underlying technologies. This can help learners ensure they’re saying words or phrases correctly to communicate more effectively, as well as avoid embarrassing issues that could arise if a mispronunciation changes the meaning of a statement.
Text and Image Recognition
Many AI technologies allow people to use conveniently available cameras – such as one on a smartphone – and can identify any items or text within the frame. For language learners, this is incredibly helpful. They can ask the AI to translate signage, such as road signs or business ads for goods or services. Additionally, if they don’t know how to say what an item is in a particular language, they could use an image and ask the AI for the correct terms, allowing them to grow their vocabulary.
Real-Time Results with Instant Feedback
One key benefit of using AI technologies for language learning, translations, or interpretation, is that most provide results in real time. Processing usually takes mere seconds at most, which can generally align with the pace of conversations in native tongues.
For learners, AI can also provide feedback functionally instantaneously while lessons are underway. There’s no need to wait for tests to get scored and return. The AI can assess a response for correctness, let the learner know how they performed, and even direct them to specific guidance related to any mistakes right away.
Overall, AI is highly efficient. As a result, it can support rapid learning and immediate course correction if a learner is accidentally heading in the wrong direction.
The Limitations of AI for Language Learning
While AI is increasingly capable, it’s not perfect. Most language-related tools involving AI are reasonably – though not perfectly – effective when the source and target languages are both widely used online. One reason is that AIs are often trained using data from online resources. As a result, they don’t have as many resources for lesser-used languages, increasing the odds of mistakes.
Since that’s the case, relying on AI alone isn’t always the safest choice. Instead, it’s wise to partner with a skilled translator or interpreter to ensure correctness, particularly when communicating critical information to customers, medical patients, or similar individuals. By doing so, it’s easier to ensure accuracy, resulting in a better communication experience for all.
Are You Looking for a Capable Translator or Interpreter?
While AI technology could make learning a new language simpler for many people, AI isn’t without its issues and limitations. Since effective communication is essential in many scenarios, including supporting customers, assisting patients, and traveling internationally, having access to an experienced, trained translator or interpreter is vital for many organizations and individuals.
Acutrans has a team of professional, experienced translators, and our program covers more than 200 languages, making it a versatile solution for a wide array of languages. Plus, video remote, over-the-phone, and on-site interpretation services are all available, allowing companies to find their ideal solution.
Along with interpretation, Acutrans provides top-quality certified document translations in 24 hours, allowing organizations to offer relevant documentation or online resources in a variety of target languages with greater ease, all while ensuring accuracy. At Acutrans, we also have post-editing machine translation and localization services available, letting our team make sure that AI translations are accurate and that any written materials target the correct audience.
Contact us for a free quote today.