But it will redefine it.
Babbel has been in the language education space since 2007.
The company has long been using artificial intelligence to boost the learning process.
Use cases span from creating tailored content and enabling speech recognition to monitoring user progress and adapting lessons.
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From personalisation to speaking practice
The technology can support anything personalisation-oriented, Schepker tells TNW.
One area of major potential is content, which Babbel has set its eyes on.
Studieshave found that personalised content can indeed improve learning outcomes in languages and beyond.
It also showed me the importance of deeply understanding the learners level and individual needs.
Thats a point Schepker makes as well.
This space allows for speaking practice without a human listener.
At the same time, the avatar tutor could also contribute further to battling foreign language anxiety.
That is, the feeling of fear and unease when speaking a foreign language.
Conversely,studies showthat practising on mobile apps reduces anxiety, especially when it comes to pronunciation.
But he doesnt believe it can replace language learning itself.
Speaking languages is a human thing, he says.
And as long as we want to converse with another human being, well keep on learning.
One of the themes of this years TNW Conference is Ren-AI-ssance: The AI-Powered Rebirth.
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW.
With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
