Can an AI chatbot lift your language learning game?

Are they getting useful phrases and grammar?

Are they becoming more fluent?

Are they having fun?

In this article, Spenser Mestel — who has decades of studying Spanish under his belt — decides to try an AI chatbot to improve his fluency before he moves to Spain.

He’s sceptical at first.

But he’s won over by the real-world contexts, being able to click for definitions of words which then appear on his flashcards, plus the clear grammar explanations with examples.

As a result, does he ditch his Spanish tutor, Maria?

No.

Because Maria is “funny, charismatic and irreverent” with her own life and “all of the ensuing complications, meaning the conversation isn’t focused exclusively on me”.

Practising speaking with tutors exposes you to facial expression, tone, body language and feedback.

And the unexpected turns that real-life conversations take challenge you and show up gaps in your knowledge that you need to fill.

So let yourself be surprised — after all, real life is not being in control all the time.

My advice is benefit from the best of both technological and human help, just like Spenser.

Need a hand to set up and stick to your DIY language project? I can help.

© Christina Wielgolawski