Using an AI chatbot to practice new languages can be helpful, but it doesn’t replace speaking with an actual person
People might feel more comfortable making mistakes if they’re interacting with AI chatbots. But they will miss the nuances that come from conversing with real people.
AI-powered chatbots can aid individuals in practicing new languages, yet they do not provide a substitute for engaging with a real human being. While these tools can assist learners in developing language skills, they often harbor cultural biases and grammatical errors. According to various studies, around 30% of U.S. adults who were learning a language in 2025 utilized artificial intelligence as a resource.
Chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, enable users to engage in simulated conversations, seek clarifications on unfamiliar phrases, and receive feedback on their writing. They also offer voice features for speaking and listening in another language. However, can someone truly learn a language with a chatbot alone? Research suggests that while these tools can help learners build language skills, they are not sufficient for achieving fluency.
Language learning encompasses comprehending spoken and written material, as well as expressing oneself verbally and in writing. The effectiveness of chatbots in this context hinges on the user's approach. By leveraging voice features, individuals can role-play conversations and practice speaking on various subjects. They can simulate a job interview, solicit feedback, and experiment with different expressions of unfamiliar phrases.
Receiving feedback from chatbots enables learners to practice speaking more fluently and accurately. Moreover, the less intimidating nature of chatbot conversations, coupled with the ability to experiment fearlessly, may encourage learners to continue practicing despite making mistakes.
Chatbots also aid in sentence or paragraph drafting, providing feedback and revisions. Nevertheless, the quality of the feedback varies, with some studies revealing errors or misinterpretations. Learners often rely too heavily on AI, taking less control over their writing decisions. To maximize the benefits, individuals should carefully consider which suggestions to implement and understand the rationale behind them.
In addition, chatbots excel when learners utilize them to enhance listening and reading comprehension. A study of university students in China demonstrated that integrating ChatGPT into language learning improved listening test scores more than traditional materials. However, chatbots cannot replace the cultural understanding, lived experiences, and emotional support provided by human interactions.
Chatbots may inadvertently reflect cultural biases, presenting inaccurate or stereotypical information. Privacy concerns also arise, as companies may record learners' text and voice data. Therefore, while chatbots can support language learning, real human interaction remains irreplaceable for comprehensive language acquisition.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
