Using an AI chatbot to practice new languages can be helpful, but it doesn't replace speaking with an actual person

Recent studies show that around 30% of U.S. adults learning a language in 2025 utilized artificial intelligence resources like AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini. These tools allow users to practice conversations, ask for clarification on unfamiliar phrases, and receive feedback on their writing. While chatbots can assist in building language skills, becoming fluent through them alone is not supported by research.

Language learning involves understanding spoken and written content, as well as expressing oneself verbally and in writing. My research focuses on how chatbots can aid in practicing these four skills. The usefulness of chatbots depends on how users employ them. For instance, chatbot voice features can be used to role-play conversations, allowing learners to practice speaking about various topics.

By receiving feedback after each conversation, learners can gradually become more fluent and accurate. The act of repeating conversations and trying again helps learners work on unfamiliar phrases and recurring mistakes.

Chatbots also provide a less intimidating environment for practicing speaking, as many learners find them less stressful than real-life interactions. This reduced self-consciousness can encourage more frequent practice. Additionally, chatbots can support learners in drafting sentences or paragraphs, offering feedback and revisions.

However, the quality of this feedback varies, with some studies highlighting errors or misinterpretations. To maximize the benefits, learners should critically evaluate individual suggestions and understand why they were given. For example, they might verify if a suggested change maintains the original meaning or ask the chatbot for the rationale behind its recommendation, then apply the learned insight to new sentences.

Chatbots excel when learners utilize them to practice listening and reading comprehension. A study involving Chinese university students found that using ChatGPT for extra listening practice improved their test scores more than traditional materials. Chatbots can also aid in understanding complex reading material by first presenting simplified versions, helping learners grasp the main idea and decipher unfamiliar words.

Despite the advantages, chatbots still fall short of providing cultural understanding, lived experience, and emotional support that human interaction offers. Chatbots may inadvertently reflect cultural biases, as seen in a study comparing language models' responses to those of people from different cultural backgrounds—often aligning more closely with individuals from Western nations.

Furthermore, companies may record learners' text and voice data, raising privacy concerns. A 2026 study of English teachers and students in Turkey revealed that while AI proved useful for teaching and learning, the presence of human interaction remained essential. Lastly, research on chatbot language learning remains limited, focusing mainly on adult learners and English, leaving room for further investigation into the long-term benefits and applicability across various ages and languages.