How New Technologies Are Changing Language Learning

AI, AR and VR are increasingly hot topics in the language learning space — with new tools and technologies being touted as silver bullets that will fundamentally change the way we learn.

Numerous on-demand apps and free tools have made language learning accessible to everyone: Duolingo is a prime example, busuu’s Alexa bot is making it easy to practice hands-free while performing other household activities, and Google’s new wireless headphones offer real-time translation from Google Translate. And Mondly VR is leading the charge in the VR space with its foreign-language teaching app, which places people into situations where they’d need to use the language, like a cab ride or checking into a hotel.

There's no doubt that technologies like this will have a massive impact on the way we learn, the way we live and the way we work. Some believe they’ll even eradicate the need to learn it at all — like Joshua Cooper Ramo, author of The Seventh Sense, who makes a case that more data means less need for human intervention. With advancements like real-time translations already showing up in early adaptations, the claim would render language learning nearly obsolete.

The counter viewpoint is that with massive acceleration in technology, there’s still a place for human-centric skills. I personally see the human and cultural elements of language as irreplaceable, but I can't deny the convenience of these new technologies.

In his book Head in the Cloud, William Poundstone talks about the importance of “knowing” things, despite our increasingly easy access to mass amounts of data and information. He argues that during a time in history where we have more information than ever, we’re actually narrowing our potential knowledge base and are more ill-informed than ever. I would argue that his findings support the need for a level of “knowing” in language learning that can’t be replaced by machines or self-study tools, no matter how immersive or realistic. I also believe that cultural subtleties, connotations and idiomatic usage simply can’t be fully conveyed without real human interaction

After all, language is fundamentally not based on the memorization of vocabulary items or grammar systems, but rather on “pragmatics” — a fancy term for confidence, cultural knowledge and situational awareness — as well as the comprehension of the rich, authentic social context, and the corresponding ability to produce the spoken language for personally meaningful social and business interactions. This is a misunderstanding that is really at the root of many of the language learning products out there on the market.

As Michael Haugh, Professor of Linguistics and Head of School of Languages and Cultures at The University of Queensland, recently put it: “We can’t outsource deep cross-linguistic and cross-cultural knowledge to apps, and the need to learn languages hasn’t changed."

Given this, the real challenge isn’t how great tech can teach people languages, but rather how can great tech supplement, extend and scale the human interaction that is at the core of language learning?

The driving motivation behind learning a language is even intrinsically “human,” and more often than not, emotionally driven — whether it's for career advancement, for travel or to be able to communicate with friends or family. And language isn’t simply about words and phrases, grammar and pronunciation. Language is deeply rooted in culture, and vice versa.

Compared to app-based learning that is largely based on memory games, VR appears to understand the importance of engaging the higher cognitive levels of the brain needed in language learning — like application, context and evaluation. You can even ask the bots within the VR app a fairly large list of questions, making the interaction more realistic.

As such, VR seems to be a viable tech-focused solution for the argument that immersion-based learning provides the best outcomes, as it provides access to a simulated environment for those who don’t have the privilege of travel. But, in its current iteration, the practicality is limited. You’re not likely to wear a VR headset while on your daily commute, for example.

“The best way to learn a language still remains going to that country and being fully immersed. We want to provide the second best way," said Sakho. “VR won’t make you fluent, but it can add a nice immersive, story-driven touch to language learning to make it more fun and give you some basic knowledge.”

An important consideration that we explored during our conversation is the issue that this type of technology for language learning is primarily aimed at and built for learners at beginner levels. Learning a language is a long journey that requires different support structures along the way.

A blended learning model, driven by customized content created by expert speakers and supplemented by tech, is one way forward. That's why we use a mixed model; other companies like 2U, Middlebury Interactive and goFluent also offer a mixture of face-to-face and online learning in order to create a more custom and effective learning experience.

Apps like Duolingo, VR games and integrations like the busuu Alexa bot are incredibly valuable tools to enhance the language learning process, making the self-study experience richer and more impactful. But they don’t, and shouldn’t, entirely replace the experience of learning with a real-life human.

The next 10 years of advancements in the industry are going to be defined by getting the balance right. Many big players will continue to try sexy tech-only solutions. But I believe real learning outcomes will be driven by players that succeed in finding the balance between technology and a human-centric approach.

See you all tomorrow.

Buh-bye.