With AI translation tools so powerful, what’s the point of learning a language?

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), learning a foreign language may seem redundant. Why spend time and effort to learn another language when technology can do it for you?

There are now translation tools to understand music lyrics, translate websites and turn on subtitles automatically when watching foreign movies and TV shows. Our phones can instantly translate spoken words.

At the same time, foreign language programs are closing in New Zealand and Australian universities.

But while technology can translate messages, it misses an important part of human communication – the cultural values ​​behind the words.

Therefore, although AI translation can bridge language barriers and promote communication due to its availability, it is important to be clear about the benefits and challenges it brings. Relying only on the ability to translate between languages ​​will ultimately lead to misunderstandings and limited social awareness.

Development of translation technology

Translation technology has grown rapidly since its inception in the mid-1950s and 1960s. This progress was fueled by the commercialization of computer-aided translation machines in the 1980s.

But recent advances in AI output have led to advances in translation technology.

Google Translate has evolved a lot since its launch in 2006. Initially designed as a small translation engine, it evolved into a “simple translator”.

AI translation is useful in some cases. For example, helping teachers communicate with parents who speak another language, or when they are on a trip.

Translation technology can also play a role in the preservation of indigenous and endangered languages ​​by facilitating online collections. Incorporating AI-powered technologies into these digital libraries can help users find and understand these texts.

But new technology also comes with limitations.

In 2019, immigration and customs enforcement officials in the United States used AI translation to process security applications. A speech translation device could not understand the regional accent or the language of the applicant, which resulted in the asylum seeker being held in prison for six months without proper communication with anyone.

In 2021, a court in the US determined that Google Translate is not reliable enough to verify someone’s consent. An officer used the translator to ask the Spanish-speaking suspect if he could search his car. Google Translate used the word “registrar” (which translates as “register” but can also be used to say “search”) when, in fact, the word “buscar” (search) would have been more appropriate.

Brain health and other benefits

Learning additional languages ​​is also seen as one of the best ways to help yourself, with benefits for brain health, social skills, cultural understanding, empathy and career opportunities.

A review of studies from 2012 to 2019 found that speaking multiple languages ​​can improve brain development, delay the onset of dementia, and improve cognitive health throughout life. Analysis also encouraged to start language learning early.

In 2022, the Council of Europe emphasized the importance of linguistic and multicultural education in promoting a democratic culture, recognizing its intellectual, linguistic and cultural value.

And this year, the council launched the “Language education at the heart of democracy” program. Its purpose is to show the importance of learning the language so that people can live a fair life.

It’s lost in translation

In Aotearoa New Zealand, English is widely spoken. Te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are also recognized as official languages. About 29% of citizens are born abroad. There are more than 150 languages, and at least 24 languages ​​are spoken by more than 10,000 people.

But interest in learning languages ​​has declined. In 2021, 980 full-time students studied a language other than Māori or New Zealand Sign Language at one of the country’s eight universities, down from 1,555 less than a decade ago.

As a result, several universities have closed, or announced plans to close, their language programs.

While AI-powered translation technology has its uses, much can be lost if we rely on it to communicate. The diversity of languages, and the content of different cultures, is difficult to communicate using translation tools.

And the benefits of being bilingual or multilingual – both individually and in the community – risk being lost if we do not agree to learn a second language.