AI in Language Learning: 5 Benefits and 4 Applications

According to the Verified Market Research report, the online language learning market size will be $25.73 billion by 2027. In Europe and the UK, 92% and 70% of students are enrolled in language classes. And the US and China have 20% and 13% enrolled.

The demand for language learning has been growing over the years, and artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in making it accessible, personalized, and fun for learners.

Five benefits AI in language learning offers are:

1.Adapting to individual needs

AI collects a lot of data. When analyzed, it acts as a powerful tool in the hands of educators and trainers to understand the interests and abilities of the learners and design effective programs. In a traditional classroom, it’s extremely challenging for an instructor to find the right approach for each student. But when AI is integrated into the learning process, learners can learn at their own pace, repeating lessons, emphasizing things they have trouble with, and engaging in tasks that appeal to them with the right cultural nuances.

2. Instant feedback

With the AI-powered language learning platform, learners don’t have to wait for someone to grade tests and come back to them; they can get instant feedback. AI can instantly point out errors and suggest ways to avoid them in the future, resulting in better performance. From the data, even instructors can see what can be improved in their lectures or practical assignments, what questions are misleading, and which learners need additional guidance.

3. Suitable for all types of learners

Some learners are introverts and are shy to ask questions or receive feedback publicly. AI-infused language learning helps such learners tremendously through objective one-on-one feedbacks without any biases or judgements.

4. A redefined role for instructors

Contrary to popular opinion, AI-based language learning platforms won’t take away the jobs of instructors. Instead, with AI language learning doing the grading and the paperwork, language instructors will have more time to coordinate the learning process and mentor students. They can also don the hat of data scientists themselves and analyze and use the data to design innovative learning processes and experiences.

5. Deeper involvement of learners

AI enables learners to learn from anywhere at their own pace. Through innovative features like games, puzzles, or other exploratory activities, they will become more engaged in the learning process than traditional learning. Personalized learning paths encourage learners for deeper involvement.??

4 Applications of AI in Language Learning

1.Vocabulary building:?Advanced new machine learning models have made significant progress in teaching grammar, syntax, and other linguistic principles. A popular language learning app offers a skill tree of lessons that uses listening exercises, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions to build learners’ vocabulary. Yet another app has a feature called “Learn with Locals,” which pairs words with videos of native speakers saying the phrase out loud. Some apps also use data patterns to great effect with a concept called spaced repetition, where lessons are delivered over longer intervals by increasing the gap between practice sessions. This greatly aids in vocabulary building in contrast to the traditional methods of several lessons crammed in over a short period.?

2. Voice recognition:?Speech or voice recognition technologies can aid significantly in learning a new language as they help learners finetune their intonation and pronunciation. And practicing, for that matter, can also take away some of the intimidation element of talking to a native speaker. For example, a multilingual app has a?speech recognition?feature that lets you speak words back during an exercise. Similarly, another language app tests your speaking skills with a simulated conversation - you’ll hear a prompt spoken by a native speaker and will also see the words and their translations on the screen.

3. Automated essay scoring (AES):?This involves using specialized computer programs, such as Natural Language Programming (NLP), to assign grades to essays for evaluation processes. One such tool uses a?machine learning model that learns from a set of responses previously determined by experts. The model takes into account syntactic, rhetorical, and concept features of a written piece. It also focuses on the sentence structure, elaboration technique, organization, and focus of the overall essay to give a final score. Another point to note here is that in the past, the digital applications were not able to provide feedback on spoken and written English. Today’s advanced AI models can recognize patterns in speech recognition and assessments to give personalized feedback.

4. Analytics:?Most language learning apps use analytics to offer exceptional learning experiences. Some learners prefer to learn during the weekends while some would like to cram everything in their schedule on weekdays to leave their weekends free. Various learning apps AI algorithms can spot these patterns to deliver personalized learning lessons – whether it’s bite-size snackable videos or long text chunks.?

The Future

Language skills remain essential to everyday life, whether it’s communicating with friends, family, or in a business context. Learning, in general, is also good for mental well-being as besides helping us connect with the wider world and other cultures, it’s an excellent booster for brain, self-esteem, and confidence.?

Advancements in AI will only make learning languages better. Technology adds vibrancy to language learning, enabling us to learn more quickly and easily than ever before. Today’s language learning apps’ proprietary machine learning algorithms mean there’s no need for language experts to spend a lot of time on the structure and order of teaching, leaving enough time for instructors to innovate and learners to learn effectively.?

Liqvid eLearning Services is a pioneer in English language learning technology and content solutions. We have studied and analyzed the learning paths of over one million users on our platform to develop our suite of AI tools for our ELT solution. Enterprises worldwide are introducing English language learning as a perk to attract, develop and retain talent to non-native speakers. It is helping unlock a new talent pool that is proficient in the English language and move up from assembly-line jobs.

Vocational training institutes focused on skill-building and employability also use English language learning as one of their core offerings. Another market for English language learning is students preparing for exams like IELTS, TOFEL, GRE, etc.?

We offer a specialized Language LMS and off-the-shelf English language learning modules besides our newly launched AI tools. Reach out to us if you need any help creating or scaling up your language learning program. For more information on ELT, click here. ?