Google adds AI conversation practice for English learners

Google is testing its AI listening skills with a feature that lets people speak into their phones and practice English with a conversational AI bot. Google first launched the practical speaking experience in October 2023. Originally, the feature only provided feedback on spoken phrases. Now users can practice ongoing conversations in the language they are learning.

TechCrunch reports that the feature is currently available to Search Labs users in Argentina, Colombia, India, Mexico, Venezuela and Indonesia. Search Labs is Google’s sandbox for potential new search features; however, the feature may also appear based on translating to or from English with Google on an Android device.

For now, the feedback and speaking practice features are only available in English. Google said in its 2023 blog that Search is a “valuable tool for language learners” because they can get translations and definitions and look up vocabulary.

Google doesn’t have a curriculum or system that raises the bar for students like Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, or other language learning apps. When it launched Conversation Practice, the company said it helps students not only practice but also discover the best words or conjugations to use in the context of a conversation. While Google has had a translation feature for years, the company has also been increasing the number of languages ​​its AI models understand.

As an avid Duolingo user (947 days of Spanish), it’s crucial for me to get feedback and practice speaking the languages ​​I’m learning in real conversations. Google hasn’t said what its plans are for language learning or whether the conversation practice feature will be expanded to more countries, but Duo, Duolingo’s owl mascotYou might be shaking in your boots.