Studying foreign languages in the AI era

Kim Byoung-pil
The author is a professor at KAIST School of Business and Technology Management.

AI-powered translation tools are rapidly evolving. The language barrier when traveling overseas can be overcome with merely a smartphone. The device can translate any written language instantly. Earphones can also perform real-time translation, enabling nearly natural conversation among foreigners.

Does that mean we no longer have to learn foreign languages? It depends on the purpose of learning. If getting information in another country or communicating with a foreigner is the purpose, we can simply rely on AI tools.

But learning new languages comes with additional merits. Language is the framework under which our mind works. By learning a language, we can understand the culture it is based on and see the world in a broader perspective. Enlarging the acceptance of difference is necessary for Korea as it evolves into an increasingly multiracial and multicultural society.

Learning a foreign language in mature age can be handy. Such studying can keep our brain healthy. For instance, it can be useful in preventing dementia. We must stop thinking that language learning is something we should do at younger ages.

Psychologists claim that language learning can also help emotions. Learning words expressing emotions in different tongues can enrich one’s emotions and help one understand the feelings of others better.

There are many reasons why we should learn foreign languages regardless of advances in technology. We can benefit from the process of learning a new language as we can from those of other subjects.

In many studies, the process of learning can be more important than the result itself. Machine learning algorithms now can beat human champions in the game of Go. But people continue to learn the ancient board game with their interest augmented by the historic match between AlphaGo and Korean champion Lee Sedol. Regardless of AI’s mathematical capabilities, we must continue to learn math. No matter how better AI performs drawing, we must learn how to draw.

AI applications can certainly assist human learning in an easier and effective way. They can cater learning needs by accurately evaluating individual capabilities. AI can give out homework tailored to individual needs and shortcomings and offer feedback after instant scoring. It can also play a crucial role in lessening the costs of private tutoring and inequality in education.

AI has the potential to bring about sweeping change across education — partly thanks to a number of startups leveraging AI tools. They can be of great service in areas with insufficient education infrastructure. Children of Africa may get the same access as those in advanced countries.

But is AI-based education all beneficial? What side effects are there and how much — and for how long — should we allow AI assistance in our children’s education? From the perspective of educators, it could be better for the young to familiarize themselves with AI capabilities. When children use AI to learn languages, they can grow up multilingual. That means parents no longer have to send them to expensive English kindergartens. When an AI speaker befriend babies upon their births, those babies can learn language faster.

But there is not yet research on the impacts of continued interaction with AI at the tender age when cognitive ability is underdeveloped. Since AI can answer all questions, a child may not grow up thinking for themselves. Too much reliance on machines could get in the way of building interactive capabilities crucial for social interaction.

Finding answers to these questions is important in determining the future of our society. We may be able to achieve universal education if AI can boost the accessibility of learning. But readiness against unexpected side effects is equally important. That task requires long-term research on national level.

Translation by the Korea JoongAng Daily staff.