Can AI replace Language Teachers?

With all of the new apps and AI tools out there, it is okay to ask: Can technology replace language teachers? While AI can do a lot, the answer is a lot more complicated than a simple yes or no answer.

AI can be a great help when learning a new language because it can give instant feedback on grammar and spelling, and it can also help you practice punctuation. Additionally, it can provide translations in seconds and let you practice conversation anytime and anywhere. For example, if you are learning Spanish, an AI app can quiz you on vocabulary, simulate a chat about ordering food at a restaurant, or simply check your verb conjugations.

But learning a language is more than just memorizing words and rules. Human teachers bring things that AI can’t like, for example, cultural context. Teachers can explain traditions, jokes, and ways of speaking that AI might miss. A teacher can encourage you and adjust the lessons to your learning style so that you can understand your struggles more clearly. They can also create real conversations that are unpredictable, and teachers can guide you through them in ways that AI can not always handle. AI is smart, of course, but sometimes it doesn’t always feel like that. 

Instead of thinking about whether AI will replace teachers, it may be better to see AI as a partner rather than anything else. Imagine you are using an app for daily practice while you have a teacher to answer the bigger questions and also guide your learning. This way, students are able to get the best of both worlds.