CC BY
30УДК 37 Nhambongo P.B., Albertovna E.M.
Nhambongo P.B.
Ufa University of Science and Technology (Ufa, Russia)
Albertovna E.M.
Ufa University of Science and Technology (Ufa, Russia)
THE BENEFITS OF USING ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN LANGUAGE LEARNING
Abstract: with the advancement of technology, various domains of knowledge have been profoundly affected. The ongoing fourth industrial revolution, also referred to as The Digital Age or AI Revolution, has revolutionized our communication, behavior, cognition, work, and even the process of learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) now permeates numerous aspects of society. Undoubtedly, AI tools have had a significant impact on language learning, transforming how individuals acquire and develop language skills. This paper aims to explore the utilization of Artificial Intelligence in language learning.
Keywords: AI, artificial intelligence, language learning, tools, learner, skills.
Introduction.
Internet capabilities are firmly intertwined in our life as its integral part. Moreover, it inevitably becomes the object of scientific research. This is, undoubtedly, a product of the information society and it also characterizes the modern human being as well as effects his development [2]. Thanks to the internet, we now have libraries in our pockets, accessible at any time. The utilization of artificial intelligence is also increasing, including within the field of education. Therefore technologies, such as AI, can be utilized to support formal education and lifelong learning by promoting the
development of adaptive learning environments, with tools that are flexible, inclusive, personalized, and engaging.
AI Language Models.
Artificial Intelligence is a part of science that is created by human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. The main objective of AI is to smoothen the interactions of humans with machines, as it is accessed by the smart system, human language processing, speech recognition, and machine vision [1].
As a starting point, let's have a brief understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), which are referred to advanced artificial intelligence models that are trained on a vast amount of text data to generate human-like responses and understand natural language. They have the ability to process and generate text in a wide range of contexts and are used in various applications such as chatbots, language translation and content generation. Evidently, they dominate current work on artificial intelligence, due to their capacity to regulate themselves in ways that are similar to the way our brains carry out these functions. LLMs include tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Claude, Meta LLaMA and Luzia.
Uses of AI.
AI has made language learning more accessible by breaking down language barriers. Learners can access resources, courses, and language partners from around the world, connecting with native speakers and diverse cultural perspectives. AI algorithms can suggest relevant language learning materials, such as articles, videos. So now let's take a look at how these tools are currently being used to support learners' efforts to make learning more accessible.
Writing.
To write effectively, it is essential to learn vocabulary and study grammar rules. This fundamental requirement makes AI tools valuable for learners to expand their vocabulary and familiarize themselves with grammar rules. AI-powered translation tools like Google Translate can help learners understand texts in a foreign language. While not a replacement for language learning, they can be valuable aids for comprehension and expanding vocabulary.
It's important to see how the words you learn can be applied in daily life situations. This helps in understanding their usage, context, and nuances, which further enhances your writing skills. So, by inserting the right prompt1 AI models replicate real speech and conversations with rapidly increasing accuracy, or a text that closely resembles natural human speech. Use AI-based tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool to analyze your writing and provide suggestions for improvement. These tools can help you identify grammatical errors, suggest better vocabulary choices, and enhance your overall writing skills.
Listening.
Listening is an essential component of effective communication. Understanding spoken language allows learners to engage in conversations, comprehend instructions, and participate in real-life interactions. Therefore, developing listening skills helps learners understand the meaning, context, and nuances of spoken language. It exposes learners to a wide range of vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and colloquialisms used in real-life situations. This exposure helps expand their linguistic repertoire and improves their understanding of idiomatic usage. Thus, watch movies, TV shows, or listen to podcasts in the target language with AI-generated subtitles or translations. This can help improve your listening and comprehension skills while exposing you to authentic language usage. Ask for suggestions of films, series, cartoons, documentaries, or TV shows you can watch, that are suitable for my current language level. Use AI-driven language learning applications in your favor, they provide interactive exercises, quizzes, and listening comprehension activities tailored to the learner's level. These apps offer real-life dialogues, pronunciation practice, and targeted listening exercises. Voice assistants equipped with AI like Siri (Apple), Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana and Samsung Bixby, are equally useful because they can understand and respond to spoken commands or questions, providing opportunities for learners to practice listening skills while interacting with the technology.
Reading.
Learning reading skills when learning a new language is essential because it allows you to access a wider range of resources, improves vocabulary and grammar, enhances comprehension and fluency, and facilitates independent learning and communication in the language. AI tools can: assess the learner's proficiency level and provide tailored reading materials and exercises to match their abilities, ensuring an appropriate challenge, offer instant translations, definitions, and contextual explanations of unfamiliar words, aiding comprehension and expanding vocabulary, provide audio support, allowing learners to listen to correct pronunciation while reading, helping improve their pronunciation skills, simulate real-life conversations, providing reading practice through interactive dialogues and feedback on grammar and sentence structure, generate comprehension questions and quizzes based on the reading material, assessing the learner's understanding and providing immediate feedback. AI tools with speech recognition capabilities such as Google Speech-to-Text can listen to learners as they read aloud, identifying errors in pronunciation or intonation and offering corrective feedback. Once more, you can also ask for recommendations on what books to read, or even sites that provide articles, comics, etc., always remembering to look for contents which suit your language level. Overall, AI tools provide learners with interactive and personalized support, making the process of improving reading skills more engaging, efficient, and effective.
Speaking.
We believe that the primary objective of a language learner is to achieve fluency or effective communication in the target language. That being the case learning or improving speaking skills becomes crucial when learning a new language. AI can be integrated with augmented and virtual reality technologies to create immersive language learning experiences. Learners can engage with virtual environments and characters to practice and reinforce their language skills. Practice conversational skills with AI-powered chatbots like Replika, Mondly, Dialogflow, Chatfuel or Tandem. These chatbots can simulate real-life conversations, correct your mistakes, allow learners to practice their language skills in a conversational context, anytime and
anywhere. Utilize AI-driven speech recognition tools like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator to improve your pronunciation and speaking skills. Practice speaking into these tools and compare your pronunciation with the correct one. Join online language learning communities, forums, or social media groups where AI is used to connect language learners worldwide. Engage in discussions, ask for feedback, and practice your language skills with native speakers and other learners. Take advantage of AI-based language tutoring platforms (Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, Busuu, HelloTalk, FluentU, and others) utilize speech recognition and natural language processing to provide personalized feedback on pronunciation and comprehension. Learners can practice conversations with virtual tutors that simulate real-life interactions.
Consistency.
Perhaps at this stage, learning how to be consistent can be seen as a question. In other words, why is it important to be consistent? Well, here's why: Consistency is crucial as it builds trust, establishes good habits, improves performance, and, most importantly, contributes to achieving goals. This is particularly beneficial when learning a new language. Consider using learning analytics tools that track learners' progress by collecting and analyzing data such as test scores, completion rates, time spent on tasks, and engagement levels. They provide insights into individual and group learning patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the learning experience. Many AI-powered language learning tools adapt to your progress and provide targeted exercises to address your weaknesses. There are several AI tools that can provide insights into areas that need improvement and track your language learning progress and, such as:
- Duolingo: A popular language learning app that tracks your progress and provides personalized feedback.
- Babbel: An AI-powered language learning platform that offers progress tracking and adaptive learning.
- Rosetta Stone: A language learning software that uses AI to track your progress and provide real-time feedback.
- Lingvist: An AI-based language learning platform that adapts to your level and tracks your progress as you learn.
- Memrise: A language learning app that utilizes AI to track your progress and provide spaced repetition for effective learning.
Conclusion
In summary, by integrating these tips into your language learning routine, you can effectively leverage AI technology to accelerate your language acquisition and improve your overall proficiency.
СПИСОК ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ:
1. Mukhamedieva, D. T. (2022). THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION. Cyberleninka. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/nthe-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-education;
2. Elinson M.A., Sharipova V.A., Iskhakova O.S. (2018). The process of communication in the sphere of communicative interaction: Ufa, Bulletin of the Bashkir University (vol. 23, pp. 745-758)
