AI in your language learning

AI interfaces have come along far enough to be particularly useful to learners of English, especially the motivated, pro-active learner who has lots of questions.  

The quality of the AI response depends largely on two factors: the knowledge base it is pulling its information from. In the English Language Learner’s case, while different AI engines refer to different base data banks and/or the internet, regardless: the majority of data available is almost entirely in English.  It is not that they have English lesson documents or dictionaries; they are pulling from the entirety of information using English. Hence even tricky grammar questions or requests for examples are now returning correct and relevant usages.  (This is unfortunately not the case for languages less represented in particular on the internet.  While my questions will produce some relevant responses, I even regularly recognize errors in Lithuanian grammar, with all engines that I use.)  The second factor is the quality of your question.  You will quickly learn to refine and reword your questions to get the type of answers you are looking for.  

As I mentioned, the motivated learner with specific questions will utilize AI the best.  You can ask for a list of vocabulary regarding eating at a Mexican restaurant, the typical questions that may be asked at the airport during a visit, or you may directly ask to attempt a conversation on any given topic for practice purposes.  Pretend you have a very smart and patient teacher at your bidding.  Questions like “When do I say ‘I run’ versus ‘I am running’?” generally generate responses more complete than that given in a textbook or during class; and don’t forget the ability to quickly copy or request translation into your native language.

I have accounts with Gemini and Claude and still use a downloaded version of ChatGPT for comparisons.  You can directly ask Google for a list of (free) AI interfaces best representing your native language.  Try it out!