Does learning languages or building language apps still make sense in the age of AI?
Whenever I travel abroad, I can usually get by with English.
In the rare cases when I visit countries where very few people speak English, I can still manage with a translation app.
And now, AI can even translate conversations in real time.
I only learn foreign languages these days to fill my free time (if I have any left).
Just a year ago, I wanted to build a language-learning app myself. But the market seems to be dominated by two or three major players, and I don't really see the point of creating yet another one.
Does it even make sense to learn a new language when AI can do the translating for us?
And following the same logic, does it still make sense to build another language-learning app?
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AI can translate words, but it can’t fully replace humor, culture, or connection. Language apps still make sense if they solve a specific problem instead of copying Duolingo.
@yashpanpaliya You make an important point. Culture is the key. You can only understand a culture through its language. There is an intangible element that goes beyond what a dictionary or a machine says it's the equivalent word.
@narcismirandes Yes, that's the bit translation tools miss. A technically correct sentence can still feel completely wrong in its cultural context.
I think learning a new language is still super valuable. In learning a country's language you get exposed cultural elements of there. I guess it depends if you are wanting to just functionally get around somewhere or you want to "experience" a place.
My disclaimer here is I am only fluent in 2 languages, though I do make an effort when I go away 😂
@the_nimesh That function versus experience distinction is a good way to put it. Even a clumsy attempt in the local language can change the whole interaction.
translation fixes the words but not the moment. id guess people still learn a bit for the way locals treat you when you try. for a new language app i think the gap is speaking confidence, not vocab.
@hitensethiya Yes, speaking confidence feels like the better gap. I'd use an app that lets me make mistakes in realistic conversations without turning everything into a lesson.
I distinguish between transmitting information and connecting in a emotional way. Even between humans we can use a big a general language like English, Spanish, French, Russian ... to give and receive information but it is only through their native language that you really understand the deepest part of a person.
The first step to understand a culture is through their language. It is a unique way organize concepts and, most important, emotions. No big general language can substitute that. Much less an automatic machine translation.
That is especially important in small cultures. I am Catalan. I can exchange information easily in English, French and Spanish but it is only in Catalan language that I have a more deep connection with another human being.
@narcismirandes Your Catalan example makes this very concrete. English can carry the information; Catalan carries the memories and emotional shorthand behind it.
Even if there isn’t a technical need, learning even a few words in the local dialect can help endear you to locals. Learning a language is also great for pushing your brain and keeping it flexible.
@portility_ai I hadn't considered the brain-training angle. And yes, even two or three local words usually change the tone of an interaction.
I speak English, French, Spanish and Arabic, and honestly, I just need English. The other languages are nice to have, but I rarely need to learn or use another language !!
@amraniyasser Fair point. English already covers most practical situations for you. Four languages is still a pretty good position to be in 😄