Robot Polyglots
Will AI Make Language Learning Obsolete?
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By Hanyu Tales (14th March 2025)
Multiple articles such as this one discuss the possibility that the rapid development of AI could make language-learning unnecessary. While generative AI in particular is certainly impressive and will no doubt impact language-learning, the notion that becoming multilingual will be obsolete is ludicrous for a plethora of reasons, 8 of which will be shared in this article.
1: Machine translation is not new
High-quality automated translation such as Google Translate has existed for many years long before the launch of ChatGPT. Yet, despite being widely accessible, these technologies have not removed the demand for bilingual workers, nor have they reduced enrollment in language courses. In fact, in an article on Forbes, Rachel Wells says the demand for multilingualism is expected to soar for the next few years. Therefore, while generative AI can perform better than previous solutions, previous solutions were already accurate enough in most cases, meaning nothing has really changed.
2: Privacy and independence
This article talks about the multitude of data types that are unsuitable for sharing with generative AI. These include identifiable information, financial information, and proprietary or intellectual property. This offers a reminder that offloading all translation tasks to AI is simply not possible in certain circumstances. Furthermore, even if it is legal to share the data with AI, there is a strong possibility that crucial data will need to be checked by a human first, even if AI is used to speed things up. Therefore, human translators and interpreters are not going anywhere. 
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3: Cultural understanding
Sticking with the theme of employment prospects, cultural awareness is another facet of communicating in a foreign language that can often be a delicate matter. Learning a language shows the international company you are trying to land a job at that you not only understand a foreign language but that you also understand a foreign culture. This is vital for business roles, where connection and empathy are paramount in landing deals and building productive relationships.
4: It says a lot about you
Learning a language also says a lot about your competence in general, as well as your personality, especially if you have selected something massively different from your native language. Multilingualism not only shows cultural understanding as already mentioned, but shows consistency, dedication, and a willingness to learn, traits that are indispensable in any industry.
5: Social connections
Moving away from employment settings, using AI to communicate is simply never going to be as satisfying or enjoyable as communicating without artificial assistance. For example, if you are learning a language to communicate with your partner’s family, whipping out your instant translation headset and letting AI make sense of four voices will not compare to being able to join the conversation naturally.
6: Access to foreign media
The enjoyment of literature and media is also much more profound if you are able to read it in its native language. Being able to appreciate the nuances and cultural influences massively enriches the experience; the only way to access this is to learn the language.
7: Cognitive benefits
Many studies, such as those referred to in this article, show the neurological benefits of language learning, from more creativity to heightened focus. AI has no impact on this aspect, so if allowing your brain to age gracefully even partially fuels your language-learning journey, then now is not the time to stop studying. 
Image by: Meo
8: AI is good for language learners
AI does, however, have an impact on the convenience of language learning. AI allows us to send screenshots from a textbook and receive detailed feedback, or access unlimited conversation. AI offers numerous possibilities in terms of allowing us to practice languages whenever and wherever, without breaking the bank.
Keep Going
Language-learning continues to evolve but there is no danger of it going extinct. AI provides great tools to aid language learners but it does not (and will not) replace the need for multilingual humans, nor does it have any impact on the cognitive and social benefits that language-learning brings millions of learners.