Can AI or virtual/ augmented reality aid in learning a new language?
AI is that ever-evolving, upcoming technology that has advanced much faster than we dreamed, despite all the movies. People do not always know how to feel about this with so much we have to learn to keep up! However, AI and augmented reality is bringing so much innovation and excitement in dozens of areas and is only capapulting our learning and understanding. With so many areas that AI and augmented reality are developing in, I look to explore what it can do in the realm of language learning. Looking for creative and entertaining ways to experience the best techniques to learn a language which not only produces the most efficient results but is also a fun, playful experience for the learner!
What is the best method to learn a language? Penpal? Watch TV or movies in that language? Studying hours on end? Holiday or extended stay in that particular country for an immersive experience? All these are great suggestions but not all of them are possible. So what can AI virtual or augmented reality do to bridge the gap between what was first thought as not possible, to become possible?
Using these languages to start with as examples, due to the striking contrast between Western languages and Eastern languages, it is a good choice to make comparisons and design uses for AI, virtual or augmented reality to assist. According to many resources, Japanese is considered one of the top 5 hardest languages to learn, though the top spot is debated. Both Japanese and Korean languages use different writing systems and even include a secondary system and a third in Japanese, on top of that they also have formal and informal speech and writing, which besides the 'please' and 'thank you's, English does not. Many words or phrases can not be easily directly translated without cultural or historical context, and these cultures also have a behavioural culture. Such as how to address elders, how to greet someone for the first time and much more; like many other languages, but these can be creatively explored through AI, virtual or augmented reality.
These tests can be run through virtual reality. The immersive experience of visiting the country can be mimicked in virtual reality, and you can be given scenarios where you can test out your reading and speaking skills, such as walking down a high street in Japan or Korea and being tasked to find certain shops by reading signs or a map for reading skills. Scenarios of ordering food in a restaurant or grocery shopping can also test your reading and speaking skills when asking for prices, total expenditure and money handling. There are so many different scenes that could be simulated for the same immersive experience without needing to travel, or in preparation for travel and wanting to be more fluent than saying 'Hello' in that language on your next holiday.
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The AI augmented reality system could also assist in learning a lot more than speaking, listening and reading. For example, you can run a simulated scenario where you are greeting people for the first time, these people may hold different stature or have other relational significance, and you will be assessed on how to greet them. Japan and Korea do have certain social protocols, much like most other countries. If you went in with a typically Italian greeting, that would be considered a big no-no! But if you give a bow, lowering of the head, the angle of the bow taken into account according to whom you're greeting, this would also be assessed by the program. However, if you only nodded at a person you should show higher respect to instead of a 90 degree bow, you may be reminded of the correct greetings to avoid any faux pas in the real world.
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Additionally, Korean culture has a strong drinking etiquette, and there are many subtle actions and behaviours to maintain respectful behaviours towards your peers. These of which, can also be taught by providing a similar environment and specific interactions with an AI in augmented reality that will look for correct responses from you.
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This program can also include cultural idioms, historical references to commonly used words or phrases, parables, wise tales and folklore that feature in everyday language, and so on for more additional cultural context and understanding of the language and culture.
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As well as learning advanced stuff like just mentioned, simpler versions can be made for beginners too, using various other games to help learn the basic characters, sounds and phrases or practising listening skills by listening to popular music and attempting dance routines as a huge part of Korean pop music culture. This can be applicable to all ages and language levels of the language of choice.
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Augmented reality can be better used when already in the country to assist with reading, writing, and shorter phrases or interactions by viewing its surrounding and displaying aids on the screen.
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There are so many opportunities to be discovered in this area; the project is open for partners! Please contact me if you're interested!
