AI could work...

AI could work...

by Kevin Simpson -

I think it is possible that AI will replace live speakers as pronunciation instructors. Or, I should say, I think the technology that makes that option almost obsolete will exist:  Humans will be able to communicate with each other using translation devices, that makes learning another language unnecessary. 

However, if someone did want to learn a language, what would be the argument for human instructor vs. AI? Humans are more reliable?  Yes, for now.  AI robots are impressive but they don't sound or look human.  Yes, for now.

But if AI robots that look, sound, and behave like humans exist, there is no reason why they couldn't actually be better than humans at teaching pronunciation.

Re: AI could work...

by Kevin Simpson -
I don't think AI will completely be accepted by human learners. It is interesting, but it is not human. Even though it is impressive, it really does appear artificial.
I also think that people will still want to learn language even if they have tech that makes it easy to communicate without learning a language. Maybe in business and other fast paced environments, translation devices will become commonplace, but they won't completely replace the desire to learn another language.

Re: AI could work...

by Zane Zuijin -

Good questions!  Is there some reason why I can't actually be better than humans at teaching pronunciation, given that I look, sound, and behave like humans?  Let's put aside the fact that my favourite movie is Bladerunner.  Rutger Hauer is my hero.