*This article may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.
In today’s globalized world, language learning is no longer just a hobby for language enthusiasts or a necessary skill for travelers and migrants. Language proficiency has lots of benefits and it’s essential for anyone seeking personal, academic, and professional success.
More and more people are learning languages over the years and the online language learning market is expected to be worth $44.9 billion by 2031. It comes as no surprise that this lucrative and ever-growing industry is adapting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, much like everything else in the online world.
If, like me, you’re learning languages through apps, you’ve probably noticed that many language learning apps are now AI-powered. From intelligent tutoring systems to chatbots to advanced translation tools, these apps have significantly transformed language learning to be more effective and engaging.
In this article, we will be looking at the benefits of using AI in language learning, its limitations, and the best AI-powered language learning apps that you can add to your arsenal. Let’s get to it, shall we?
How does AI language learning work?
AI language learning relies on a combination of advanced technologies to provide personalized and effective instruction. There are three main AI technologies at work in language learning apps: natural language processing, machine learning, and AR/VR.
At the core of AI language learning is natural language processing or NLP. This enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. This technology is used to power features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and machine translation. There are also NLP-powered chatbots and virtual language tutors.
Machine learning algorithms, on the other hand, are trained on massive datasets of language data, allowing them to identify patterns and make predictions.
For example, machine learning can be used to personalize learning paths based on a learner’s strengths and weaknesses. It can also adapt the difficulty level of exercises to ensure that learners are challenged but not overwhelmed.
Another important AI technology in language learning is augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies can create immersive learning experiences by simulating real-world scenarios. You can practice speaking and listening in virtual environments, such as a restaurant or a classroom to gain valuable exposure to different language contexts.
By combining NLP, machine learning, and AR/VR, AI language learning systems can provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Benefits of AI in language learning
One of the most significant benefits of AI in language learning is its ability to provide personalized instruction. AI-powered language learning platforms can analyze individual learners’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles to create customized lesson plans and exercises. This adaptive approach ensures that you can progress at your own pace and focus on areas where you need the most support.
AI can also increase engagement and motivation in language learning. AI-powered language learning apps and platforms often incorporate gamification, personalized content, and immersive experiences. I don’t know about you but these are the things that keep me motivated and interested to learn.
In addition, AI-driven chatbots and virtual language tutors can provide you with opportunities to improve your speaking and listening skills. AI-powered speech recognition technology can provide instant feedback on pronunciation and fluency, helping you to identify and correct errors.
Limitations and challenges in using AI in language learning
While AI has made significant strides in language learning, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not without limitations and challenges.
One of the primary concerns is the quality of the data used to train AI models. If the data is biased or inaccurate, the AI system may produce misleading or harmful results.
Privacy and security concerns also arise when using AI in language learning. AI systems may collect and store personal data, raising questions about data protection and misuse. Do check the app’s privacy policy and be careful about the information you share in the app.
It’s also worth mentioning that even the best AI language learning systems still can’t replace human interaction. When it comes to developing fluency, nothing beats having conversation practice with native speakers.
Language is more than just vocabulary, grammar, and accurate pronunciation. There are unspoken elements such as gestures and facial expressions, nuances like sarcasm or irony, and cultural context — things AI language learning systems may struggle to capture.
Best AI language learning apps
1. Mondly
Mondly teaches 41 languages through gamified exercises that improve your vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills. There’s a bit of grammar too, but the app mainly helps boost your vocabulary.
Mondly is one of the few apps that has successfully incorporated NLP, machine learning, and AR/VR. The app’s adaptive learning algorithm adjusts the difficulty level of exercises based on the user’s performance to ensure that learners are challenged but not overwhelmed.
Mondly also has an AI-powered chatbot that you can practice conversations with and get feedback from. This is paired with the app’s speech recognition technology which is based on deep learning algorithms, so it can accurately recognize and understand spoken language.
However, its most revolutionary feature is the AR and VR modes. The AR feature, which is available on Mondly’s Lifetime Access plan, lets you use your phone as a lens and practice real-life conversations with a virtual language teacher. Mondly VR is the more immersive version and is available on Oculus and Steam.
Pricing: Free daily lessons. The Lifetime Access plan lets you access all lessons, all 41 languages, and Mondly AR. Check out the latest Mondly promo here!
2. Ling
Ling offers gamified but comprehensive courses in over 40 languages, including less-taught ones like Amharic, Thai, and Swahili. It covers vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, and is one of the best apps that teach non-Latin scripts.
The app incorporates AI through natural language processing and machine learning. It tailors lessons and exercises based on individual learner’s progress and pace. It also has an NLP-equipped chatbot, which generates realistic conversation scenarios and provides context-appropriate responses. This feature is great for improving your listening and speaking skills.
Ling’s speech recognition technology can also accurately evaluate your pronunciation and give you instant feedback.
Pricing: $14.99/month. Enjoy savings when you sign up for the annual plan, which also comes with a 7-day free trial.
3. Babbel
One of my favorite language learning apps, Babbel teaches 14 languages through a variety of interactive exercises, including dialogues, listening exercises, and writing activities.
AI in Babbel is mostly seen in its spaced repetition technique. The platform’s adaptive learning system personalizes the review system based on your schedule preferences and performance to optimize recall. Meaning, you will most likely encounter words you have difficulty with and vocabulary items you’ll likely forget soon.
Babbel’s speech recognition technology is also one of the best out there. It can accurately recognize and assess your pronunciation to provide helpful feedback.
Pricing: Starts from $9.95/month. Check out Babbel promos here!
4. Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular language learning app that’s known for its gamified approach to language education. For many years, it’s been using an AI called Large Language Model (LLM) behind the scenes to generate lots of content for its lessons. It’s also been using Birdbrain, a type of machine learning system that analyzes your performance to craft lessons that fit your current needs.
Recently, however, the company came up with a new technology powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4. Duolingo Max is a premium subscription tier that offers two groundbreaking features: Explain My Answer and Roleplay.
Explain My Answer, as you can guess, provides learners with detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect responses. This feature is particularly valuable for those who struggle with grammar or want to learn more about the reasoning behind the answers.
Using generative AI, Roleplay creates interactive conversations that simulate real-life situations, allowing users to practice their speaking and listening skills in a more immersive way. These roleplays can be customized to suit different learning styles and interests, ensuring that users stay motivated and challenged.
Pricing: Duolingo is free but Duolingo Max is only available on the Individual or Family plan. Price varies per region.
5. Busuu
Busuu offers comprehensive lessons in 14 languages. One of its key features is the use of AI-powered corrections. This technology analyzes learners’ written responses and provides instant feedback, helping them identify and correct errors in grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
Busuu also features Smart Review, Vocabulary Review, and Grammar Review, which are powered by spaced repetition and machine learning. These features help learners efficiently review and retain information by scheduling practice sessions at optimal intervals. By analyzing learners’ performance, the algorithm can customize the review schedule to ensure maximum effectiveness.
What’s great about Busuu is that while it effectively utilizes AI in its lessons, it also maintains a strong focus on human interaction. The platform features videos of native speakers who demonstrate correct pronunciation and usage. Plus, it has a large community of native speakers who can provide valuable feedback to fellow learners.
Pricing: Starts from $13.90/month. Save up to 50% on Busuu when you sign up for longer plans.
6. Glossika
Glossika is a language learning platform that focuses on immersion and repetition to help you master a new language.
One of its key features is its sentence mining algorithm. This algorithm analyzes vast amounts of native speaker data to extract the most common sentence patterns and structures. By focusing on these patterns, Glossika exposes you to real-life language.
Another important feature of Glossika is its spaced repetition system. This system helps you review vocabulary and grammar at optimal intervals to maximize retention. Glossika’s AI-powered algorithm determines the ideal timing for each review session based on the learner’s progress.
Unfortunately, Glossika doesn’t have speech recognition. You can record your voice, sure, but you’d have to compare your speech to native speaker recordings on your own.
Pricing: Starts from $16.99/month. Or try it for free!
Note: If you’d like to support Learn Languages From Home, make sure to complete your purchase through the Glossika website (not the mobile app). You can sign up and use whatever platform you want, but if you make the purchase using the website, I make a small commission. Thanks!
7. MosaLingua
Another powerful app that can boost your vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and speaking skills is MosaLingua.
For years, MosaLingua has incorporated AI into its platform through personalized learning paths and spaced repetition. The app analyzes your progress and preferences to create tailored learning plans, ensuring that you’re always challenged and motivated. Its spaced repetition system, on the other hand, helps you retain information by scheduling review sessions at optimal intervals.
Recently, MosaLingua released a new feature called MosaChat-AI. This AI-powered chatbot acts as a virtual tutor, allowing learners to practice conversation and get real-time feedback and corrections.
Pricing: MosaChat-AI is available on the MosaLingua Premium Plan, which starts from $5.99/month. Try it free for 15 days!
8. Memrise
Memrise is a language learning platform that focuses on vocabulary acquisition and conversational skills. One of its key features is the use of spaced repetition, which schedules review sessions based on the learner’s forgetting curve. This helps to reinforce learning and improve retention.
The app’s newest feature, however, is MemBot, an AI language partner. Using GPT-3 technology, MemBot allows you to practice your language skills through varied conversations and ‘missions’.
What’s great is that you won’t get stuck in a conversation. With MemBot, you can ask for hints or even suggested responses to help you move forward with the conversation.
Pricing: Starts from $22.99/month
9. Eggbun
If you’re learning Korean, Japanese, or Chinese, Eggbun is worth exploring. This app teaches the said languages mainly through a chatbot.
While Eggbun has vocabulary lists, webtoons, and other fun features that teach the language and culture, its core lessons and review happen with Lanny. This AI tutor engages learners in conversations, provides feedback, and corrects mistakes.
Eggbun’s Lanny offers text-based dialogues along with audio examples to teach vocabulary and grammar. Because it provides various scenarios, it allows you to immerse in real-world language while also learning more about the culture. You can even have a group study with Lanny and other learners!
Pricing: Starts from $9.99/month
10. Univerbal
Available in 20+ languages, Univerbal is powered by advanced artificial intelligence to give you a personalized learning experience. As in Eggbun, learning on Univerbal primarily happens within a chat interface.
Univerbal’s AI Language Tutor simulates real-world conversations to teach you the language. Through interactive dialogues, you can practice your listening and speaking skills. The AI tutor will provide feedback, corrections, and encouragement, helping you build confidence and fluency.
Univerbal also adapts to your learning style and pace by providing personalized learning paths and exercises based on your specific needs and preferred schedule.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that AI has significantly transformed language learning with personalized instruction and interactive lessons. That said, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of AI, including its inability to fully replicate human interaction and potential biases in its algorithms.
As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s safe to say that we can expect even more innovative and effective language learning tools. However, it is crucial to remember that AI is a valuable supplement, not a replacement, for traditional language learning methods.
To achieve true fluency, it is essential to combine AI-powered tools with real-world interactions with native speakers. By leveraging the best of both worlds, you can experience a more fulfilling language learning journey. Happy learning!