Google Translate Takes On Language Learning: Is Duolingo in Trouble?

Mastering a new language, particularly understanding another person’s words and being able to speak fluently and confidently, can be a challenging skill to develop. To address this and to carve a niche in a market dominated by competitors like Duolingo, Google has announced in a blog post the launch of a new feature in its Google Translate app. This feature, using Gemini models, aims to improve language learning and is available now on iOS and Android platforms.

Google introduces AI-generated personalized training sessions

The tool is designed for beginners who are just starting out with a new language, as well as more advanced learners looking to expand their vocabulary for upcoming trips or professional exchanges. The goal is to help users overcome the challenges posed by unfamiliar languages through personalized training sessions that combine listening and speaking exercises. These interactive exercises are generated on the fly and adjust to the user’s proficiency level.

These sessions have been developed with learning experts and are based on the latest research in language acquisition. They track your daily progress and help you develop the necessary skills to communicate confidently in another language, says Matt Sheets, a product manager at Google.

This new feature is currently available for English speakers who want to practice Spanish and French, as well as for French, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers who wish to improve their English.

How to create interactive scenarios for learning new languages

To take advantage of this new language training experience, simply open your Google Translate app and click on the new “Practice” button. You will then be prompted to set your proficiency level and goals. These parameters allow Google Translate to generate a tailored lesson based on your input, aimed at enhancing your skills in professional conversations or everyday interactions.

In each scenario, you can listen to conversations and click on the words you hear to improve your understanding, or practice speaking with helpful tips available when needed, adds the product manager.

After initial tests that proved successful among a group of testers, this feature is now being rolled out within the Google Translate app.

A serious competitor to Duolingo?

While Duolingo has established itself as a leading and popular app for language learning through its playful approach and tailored course plans, it has recently faced controversy for automating its tools with the creation of new AI-generated courses, gradually replacing contractual collaborators. This shift to an “AI-first” strategy allowed it to announce in April the launch of nearly 150 new language courses, doubling the content in its training catalog and adding 28 new languages.

Google has responded to this strategic pivot by not only launching “Little Language Lessons,” a series of three experimental apps based on AI, but also by introducing a learning mode in Gemini, and now this new linguistic experience within its Google Translate app. The American tech giant is keen to secure its slice of the pie in the AI-assisted learning market.

This summer, ChatGPT also introduced a “Study” mode, aiming to support users in enhancing their skills on selected topics with personalized instructions that allow learners to practice through structured responses and quizzes. The battle in AI-assisted learning is just beginning…

Alongside its new personalized learning scenarios, Google is also enhancing its app with a feature for instant live translation. Users can now engage in real-time spoken conversations in over 70 languages, with audio translation and simultaneous transcription displayed on the screen.

The app recognizes pauses, accents, and intonations to ensure fluid exchanges, even in noisy environments, Google claims. Available this week in the United States, India, and Mexico, this upgrade is expected to soon be available in more countries.