Since The Atlantic published its thought-provoking story in March on "The End of Foreign-Language Education," followed by other language-learning players shedding a portion of their workforce (in part) because of AI, there has been a lot of hand-wringing in the language-learning world about whether AI will undermine the need to learn a language. It was one of the first questions I was asked by CNN in an interview a couple weeks ago. Will AI end language-learning? Absolutely not. I say, bring it on! AI is a huge boon to any casual traveler who needs help conducting a routine transaction. Speaking into your phone for a real-time translation is a miracle! No one needs to invest days/weeks/months into language-learning just to order food or take a taxi or any number of one-off, low-impact tasks. But AI-based real-time translation has its limits. Sticking your phone in your mother-in-law's face every time you converse is not going to endear you to her, for example. Nor does it help you connect with foreign colleagues or have authentic experiences when you travel. For that, you need to do the work and learn a language. AI can help enormously -- enabling better speech recognition, conversation practice, personalized training, content development, motivation mechanics, and more. However, human connection remains at the heart of language learning, and AI can only support, not replace, the work that teachers do, both in product development and live classroom experiences. For years, Babbel has been harnessing the power of AI and its older cousin machine learning to make our app more effective and engaging. We’re only scratching the surface of what this technology can do for us and our learners. We don't believe that AI threatens language-learning -- we believe it will boost it. https://lnkd.in/e8yhw87s
Good points!
Sara Killeen
1w
Nice work Julie - great coverage!
Thanks, Julie, I am glad to see this kind of reflection advancing the conversation about what AI is bringing to the table, and what we humans relate to. There is a unique empowering experience when you learn a language from scratch, like opening a Narnia-like door to another world of meaning. 🌍 I celebrate all the technological advances, but no AI translator could ever replace the feeling of communicating with someone in their native language and get the flow going. 🍀 Thanks, Babbel for your work and great application. I will start again my Italian studies to reconnect with my roots.
Alex Asher
1w
Well handled and right on point. People have been using apps for instant translations for years. "... Language is about creating a personal connection." Well done Julie and the team.
Learning English will always be important, because we need a common language. But starting to learn a new language from the scratch it will be less appealing
Sure thing! Learning a language is about so much more than just getting by - it's about building relationships and understanding new cultures! AI can't replace that.
Product / Project Manager
1wGreat interview. Nice job explaining the opportunities and limitations with AI. Hope all is well.