The growing enthusiasm for AI has led to considerable speculation about whether language trainers will be replaced by chatbots. I will argue why AI can’t teach languages on its own and assert that it can only complement human teaching.
Many organizations have already started to put AI at the very center of their training products. This is being driven by a very competitive market that is completely focused on offering scalable services at the lowest possible costs. This has been very challenging for trainers who have seen their wages fall in recent years. As with many other industries, there is a rush to implement AI wherever it can be exploited to create productivity gains and cost savings. For example, some language training providers have begun using AI-powered chatbots to simulate conversational practice, aiming to reduce the need for human trainers. It is, however, important to approach AI adoption in language training much more thoughtfully to ensure that we prioritize meaningful learning outcomes. Surely, we can harness technology in a way that genuinely benefits everybody, rather than getting dazzled by hype and jumping to the conclusion that AI can magically replace language trainers.
A common issue when adopting advanced technology is the tendency to prioritize flashy features over substance. Most proponents of online training and technology in the classroom warn against this at some point. I can remember during COVID, trainers were forced to bring everything online. They packed their lessons full of exciting web-based tools, only to realize that this was actually distracting students from real learning. It caused a rather “Las Vagas” vibe with a lot of flash and glitz. It is important to strike a balance in our approach to technology in education. While technology can be a valuable tool for helping learners achieve their goals, it should complement the learning process and not become a hindrance to it. When does excessive gamification simply become a self-serving process that does not aid learning?
AI offers the promise of personalized experiences, but does it truly align with how people learn? Language acquisition requires structured practice, empathetic communication, and consistent feedback from a trainer. Despite the initial excitement surrounding today’s AI language teaching chatbots, they cannot replicate the meaningful conversations that learners have with skilled trainers. There’s also the danger of overreliance on AI, causing trainers and materials writers to lose touch with good practice. For example, if you always use AI to create your training materials without adapting them, you can end up with dull, ineffective lessons that all start to look the same.
There is a tendency to overestimate what AI can do without solid evidence that it works. There is very little research to go on. AI can be a helpful add-on, but it isn’t a silver bullet that can solve all problems. For example, adaptive learning systems might analyze errors or suggest relevant practice activities, but they cannot offer aspects like emotional intelligence, nuanced cultural insights, or empathetic feedback that a trainer usually provides. Overreliance on AI risks creating a rather superficial learning experience that might not deliver real results. This might cause a significant loss of engagement with learners, which is already a significant issue with self-paced learning programs.
Another point is that practical challenges cannot be ignored. Many advanced AI tools require stable internet connections and good-quality audio equipment. This is a technical infrastructure that learners in the global south might not have, further widening existing accessibility gaps. These barriers will render even the best-designed tools inaccessible to the majority of global citizens, leaving many learners frustrated and disconnected. In language training, where accessibility and continuity are crucial, these limitations further exacerbate the growing digital divide between the developed countries and the global south. Another limitation is the excessive amounts of energy and resources that AI will consume in the future, leading to a massive carbon footprint. These problems certainly need to be overcome if companies want to adopt an ethical and responsible use of AI.
In the end, the strength of AI is not in replacing trainers but in complementing them. Language training is deeply personal, involving cultural nuance, emotional engagement, and human adaptability. The best way to leverage AI is to use it as a teaching assistant, seeking information and engaging with it critically. When technology is integrated thoughtfully, it becomes a tool to support effective instruction rather than a distraction from it. It’s not about adapting learners to fit the technology but about adapting technology to meet the needs of the learners. We need to do this in ways that make learning more accessible, effective, and meaningful. The future of language training isn’t about replacing trainers with AI but more about working together to create the best possible learning experience.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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