I’m putting it on record: AI took me by surprise. As a pen-and-paper lover who’s never too far from her language learning journal, most language learning apps have failed to capture my heart.

Sure, Duolingo has a cute owl, but I never progressed fully out of the skeptic state myself (here’s my 2020 review). So when the latest AI tools and chatbots became popular, I was surprised by how exciting it felt!

Unlike curriculum-driven apps, these new tools added the flexibility and fun that I had been missing for my languages. So today, let’s discover how you can start taking advantage of it for your own language learning routine.

Podcast Recommendation: Inside the Mind of an AI Expert and UN Interpreter

If you would like to hear more about how my language-tech obsessed friend Josh Goldsmith and I created the new AI Language Club, then hit PLAY here to listen to our podcast episode.

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Why does AI Work Well For Learning a Language?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a cutting-edge technology that enables machines to simulate human intelligence.

Computer programmers and linguists (people like polyglot superstar Judith Meyer!) have built huge datasets called LLMs (Large Language Models).

These datasets enable AI tools to understand natural language, meaning you can write and talk to it like you would in a normal conversation. There is no need to use code anymore!

AI is used in many places around us, from stock-trading software to number plate recognition in your nearest supermarket car park. You might already know ChatGPT, Google Bard and Microsoft Bing/Copilot.

And since AI is so well trained on real-life language, it is brilliant for natural communication training. Exactly what you’re looking for!

Discover Your Own Language Learning Style: AI as a Resource

AI tools are brilliant for your language learning needs because they provide you with tailored content for your level. When you chat to an AI chatbot, your learning experience can become more effective and engaging.

AI quickly lets you

🃏 create and play any game you like,

✍️ get feedback on your writing,

✅ generate instant quizzes for deeper understanding.

You can ask AI to write about any topic you’re interested in, and converse with chatbots in natural language. Writing with AI feels as easy as texting a good friend.

👉 If you would like to go deeper into the latest lessons and tutorials for AI-based language learning, join me and Josh in AI Language Club.

3 Killer Prompts for Effortless Language Learning with AI

At this point, you might be eager to give AI a try for yourself. I’ve decided to look into the treasure box of AI Language Club and bring you 3 super effective prompts that help you get started.

Level Indicator: Many AI chatbots know what common language levels and exam scores mean, so you can tell them your level and even your gender for a highly suitable language output. For example, tell ChatGPT or Bard that you are a “level A2 French learner” and it will generate simpler text than if you tell it you are “level C1”.
Role-Play Scenarios: You can ask AI chatbots to help you play through different scenarios in your target language such as job interviews or travel experiences. Conversations with AI can help you gain fluency, improve your vocabulary, and boost your confidence.
Vocab Brainstorm: AI is a powerful tool for brainstorming lots of words around a topic you’d like to talk about. This is great for preparing language lessons with your favourite tutor or exchange partner. You can even ask for the vocab in a neat table format or export it so you can pop it into a flashcard app like Anki or Quizlet.

Example: AI in Action

This example is taken from our free training and shows you how to get a list of vocab words and example sentences tailored to your level *and* your interests using the free tool ChatGPT.

AI vs. Language Learning Apps: What Sets AI Apart?

While most language learning apps focus on bringing you into a course-style curriculum, using AI tools is different.

The approach of using an AI chatbot requires you to have a sense of what you want to get out of each conversation. It can be your search engine, feedback and practice tool, plus a flexible source of input that matches your level and interests exactly.

If you’re coming to language learning from zero, an app may be easier to start with for now. You'll enjoy the tracked progress as you follow the curriculum. Add AI as a practice resource (more resource tips here).

For experienced language learners, professionals, or people who want additional resources on top of an existing course, AI takes things to a whole new level. With ideas like the ones we’re sharing here and in AI Language Club (catch our free training!) you’ll have hours of language learning fun sorted.

Can AI Replace Your Language Tutor?

One important aspect of language learning is discovering and embracing your own learning routine. So while you might think that you could become fluent with the help of ChatGPT, my view as an experienced coach and teacher is this:

AI serves as a resource that complements your individual approach to learning.

You won’t be able to replace 100% of your other resources with it, but AI can enhance your language journey.

AI can’t replace the full human connection you feel in language learning

If you learn languages for human connection and intellectual achievement, you’ll always need real-life practice in your routine.

My tip is to think about where AI fits into your resource stack, and to start building it into your tutoring sessions to make them even more fun.

Is an AI Chatbot a Language Coach?

While I have seen a few marketing messages around from language apps that do use the words “language coach”, for me the answer is a clear no. A language coach is not the same as a tutor or practice partner.

In my experience, the types of language learning tips and strategies you will get from AI chatbots are generic common sense. With a good language coach, expect personalised, targeted advice from an expert who’s here to listen. They'll help with the next steps towards reliable fluency.

Click here to discover how you’ll benefit from working with a language coach

Will AI Make Language Learning Obsolete?

When you look at all the great capabilities that AI gives language learners, you might start to wonder “does anyone even need to learn a language anymore?”. The answer is in the deep connection, joy and fulfilment that comes when you make a human connection and discover other cultures.

Language learning brings people together and nothing beats the fun of experiencing other cultures for yourself

Yes, AI can make it easier to communicate important needs when you are travelling, but the most powerful results always come from the inside. It’s about who you can become when you learn another language.

Which is the Best Language for AI?

From a user perspective, the languages with the biggest datasets will be most easily available and give you the most accurate results. Most of the big AI chatbots are now able to support a large number of languages, so as a language learner you can start a conversation and even switch languages during the conversation.

It’s great for multilingual experiments like I teach in Multilingual Power-Up.

Want to learn a rare language? Click here to discover tips that will help you do it.

What are the Risks of Using AI for Language Learning?

It’s important to use well-established platforms and bear in mind that most free AI tools will use your data to train their language model. If you share a personal story, some confidential information, or a copyrighted piece of work, you may compromise privacy. Be careful and consider looking for tools that let you opt out of this training.

My view is that most language learning usage ideas (like the ones we share in AI Language Club) do not come with any bigger risks. You can generally feel safe to experiment and practice using many tools.

Enjoy your AI language adventures!