Is Language Learning Obsolete in the Age of AI Translation?

As speech translation apps improve, linguists discuss the impact of real-time speech-to-speech translation on language learning.

In the world of artificial intelligence (AI), speech translation apps have come a long way, and experts predict even more significant advancements on the horizon. With this progress, one question looms: Will AI translation make learning a new language pointless? To explore this topic, we’ll delve into the current state of AI translation technology and hear from linguists on the potential impact on language learning.

The current state of AI translation technology

Anatol Stefanowitsch, a linguist and professor at the Free University of Berlin, points out that simultaneous speech translation systems have already made great strides, potentially rendering the laborious process of learning a foreign language unnecessary. Everyday speech recognition and translation have become increasingly accurate, with many smartphones now equipped with speech translator apps.

The ultimate goal is real-time speech-to-speech translation, and the technological prerequisites for this are already in place, according to experts at the Goethe-Institut. They distinguish between translating one language into another and foreign language proficiency, the latter of which encompasses more than just simple simultaneous translation.

AI translation in action

Just a few years ago, it was remarkable to see smartphones translate text from a photographed menu in real time. Today, real-time speech-to-text apps are helping break down language barriers, albeit with some time lag in conversations.

Samsung, in collaboration with Google, has taken this a step further with its new Galaxy S24 series. The Live translate feature not only displays translated text but also reads it aloud using a computer-generated voice. While there is still a time lag and some limitations, such as difficulty extracting speech from background noise, the technology is rapidly improving.

The impact of AI translation on language learning

As AI translation technology advances, the question remains: Will learning a new language become obsolete? According to Stefanowitsch, communication is not just about exchanging information but also human interaction. He believes that learning a foreign language will still be valuable in the future, especially for building relationships and immersing oneself in another culture.

The Goethe-Institut shares this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of natural speech in fostering empathy and human connection. They question whether we want to live in a world where healthcare workers, for example, communicate with patients via simultaneous translation.

The role of AI in education

While digital translation tools may seem to render traditional foreign language teaching outdated, Stefanowitsch believes that schoolchildren are still learning languages the right way. Language-learning apps can complement school lessons but not replace them entirely.

The Goethe-Institut expects the role of foreign language teachers to evolve, shifting from simply imparting knowledge to actively supporting learners. AI tools may also change the nature of homework, requiring educators to adapt their assignments to tasks that cannot be easily handled by AI applications.

AI’s limitations and potential consequences

AI-generated texts often lack originality, as they aim to produce an “average” language. The Goethe-Institut warns that widespread use of simultaneous speech translation systems could lead to a reduction in vocabulary and endanger dialects and vernaculars, ultimately impoverishing the language.

Stefanowitsch concludes, “It’s better when people do the translations, not the machines.”

In summary, while AI translation technology is advancing rapidly, linguists agree that learning a foreign language will continue to hold value. The role of AI in language learning and communication is set to evolve, but human interaction and immersion in other cultures remain irreplaceable.

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