Every few years…
Some tech comes along and the internet goes abuzz with possibilities.
Well, actually the internet was the first thing that came along and it did change language learning.
Then videos and podcasts.
Then apps.
Then specialized apps with cool features
Block-chain was a thing not too long ago.
I think chatbots were also a recent thing…
…before AI.
And so, the question that one may ask is “will AI change language learning?”
By the way, I honestly think that the only people that think about this are tech-heads that are looking to create and/or sell something. And maybe language teachers. Definitely not average joe language learners.
But going back to the question… will it change things?
Well, what do you mean by “change?”
Because when the internet came along… suddenly we had access to more information.
When podcasts and videos came along… suddenly we had more content at our disposal.
When smartphones and apps became a thing… suddenly we had language learning content at our finger tips, instead of sitting on the computer.
When crypto and NFTs came around, a whole bunch of people got rich and others got scammed. Oh, sorry, that wasn’t language-related.
When chatbots came around… a whole bunch of apps popped up pushing chat bottery as a way to “turbocharge” your language.
And now that “AI” is here, a whole bunch of apps are popping up and claiming that this new thing will “superboost” your language.
Sure, there’s been “change” in terms of tools that are available.
And the moment a hot new tech-thing comes along, you can bet your bottom dollar that another app will use it as a “new and unique” way to learn a language.
And for that moment, some buyers will be excited to buy and try it out…
And the big change is that they’ll be out a few bucks and the clever app maker will make some money.
But nothing will change for you, the language learner.
That “new and unique” A.I. thing will also get tossed aside and not really change things.
You see… when it comes to language learning….
…until we can upload stuff into our brain like in the Matrix, no tool will ever “change” the game.
Why?
Because language learning ultimately comes down to you — your effort, the time you put in, the practice, the feedback, and the adjustment to feedback.
Yes, even if an app is “smart” enough to “give you feedback” on your pronunciation, it still will require one thing — your effort and your consistency over an extended period of time.
It’s you that needs to do the learning.
It’s your brain that needs to be receptive to the language.
It’s your tongue that needs do the speaking.
It’s your ears that need to do the listening.
It’s your hands that need to write and tap on apps.
No technology can move your body and brain for you — unless you’re a robot.
So, if most people aren’t already fluent with all the native content that already exists online — and requires effort to go through — what makes you think that this will be any different?
I’m not saying it’s the fault of the current tools, content, apps or even A.I. (though the effectiveness of some popular resoueces is questionable.)
It just all requires work.
Whether it’s AI or a chatbot or audio lessons.
So, AI isn’t going to change the game.
Will a few outliers make it work and become fluent? Maybe. But that’s more so because of their effort more than the tool they used. And they’ll always the few outliers — with enough time, no responsibilities, and maybe a little bit crazy.
The rest of the crowd won’t get fluent with AI just like they still haven’t gotten fluent with all the tools available right now.
So, what does that mean for you?
What Will Change with AI.
One thing you can count on for sure is…
You’ll see new apps and advertisements promising fluency with AI because they’re hopping on a trend and want to make a quick buck.
You will see articles, videos, “influencers” and gurus showing you “how” to learn a language with A.I. for the same reason – money (or attention for eventual money down the line). Even though none of them used A.I. to actually learn a language.
And many people will fall for it because we’re suckers for new and shiny things.
And again, there will be a few crazy outliers that indeed made A.I. work… but only because because they put in the work.
If you’re keen to try, go ahead.
But if you toss it aside a week or month later, what good was it?
So, for now, save your money and maybe invest in more established programs and teachers.
– The Main Lingua Junkie