What effects will AI have on language learning and language learners?

The other day we had a conversation with some students in class about AI and its uses to learn English.

We discussed some probable effects AI will have on

  • students
  • teachers

It was interesting to hear students’ point of view.

Among their comments were:

  • AI will make people more inactive and complacent
  • fewer people will want to learn languages because they will not need it (AI real-time translation apps will suffice for their communication purposes)
  • some of our existing speaking skills will erode
  • AI will further contribute to the “culture” of wanting results without making an effort

These comments paint a pretty bleak picture at first sight.

However, students also said: when the calculator came into use, it did NOT put an end to math classes at school.

Exactly. It was a new tool to accelerate and expand the possibilities of calculus. We simply learnt how to adapt to it, and life went on.

A similar transition may happen with the appearance of AI in language learning.

In other words, no need to worry 🙂

 

1-Minute Tip ⏳

It’s not about the tool. It’s about you, the learner. The AI tools will not do the job for you. Learning a language is still as challenging as it has always been when it comes to organizing your learning time, staying focused and disciplined when it comes to reviewing and practising.

I was thinking. If these new technologies, driven by AI for language learning, had existed when I was learning languages, I would have probably learnt twice as many as I speak now!

And you? What AI tools are you using and with what results?


This content is authentic and it is not AI generated.

I write these weekly tips for you because I enjoy sharing techniques that I have seen work for my students through my 20+ years of teaching experience.

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👋 Hi, I’m Gábor

I am an English speech fluency trainer, specialized in pronunciation training.

Connect | Gábor Légrádi | MA, RSA/CTEFLA

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