In the next decade, we will see a huge quantity of language learning startups emerging with cool new technologies. The reason is very simple - It is forecasted that the online language learning market will grow 13,7% CAGR from 2020 till 2027.
We are already seeing many companies that are creating new catchy interfaces, trying to capture a large share of this market. Mondly launched a VR language learning experience, Busuu has built an Alexa voice chatbot and Duolingo uses gamification to create addictive experiences.
Those methodologies have a strong appeal to end-users and investors. Easy to use, low price and scalability can gain millions of users almost overnight - But also lose their users attention very quickly in favor of newer and shinier alternatives.
It would be counterproductive to base language-teaching methodologies on something other than an understanding of how language learning does and does not take place.
Those language-teaching methodologies are based exclusively on rule memorization and translation exercises. That is, a student is expected to memorize words and grammar and then translate sentences from the native language to the language being learned (and vice versa). For example, Duolingo initially based its business model in selling student generated translations.
Studies in second language acquisition (SLA) have made language teachers and curriculum designers aware that language learning consists of much more than simple rules of memorization. More important, it involves learning to express communicative needs.
Myth: Can you speak correctly?
Truth: Can people understand you?
Each user has his/her own specific communicative needs. This means that if you want to improve your communicative skills you need to focus your limited time and energies in learning the language that you can use to accomplish real-life tasks.
If you are a German automotive engineer in China, the language you need to communicate at work is highly specific. However, the content that you find in traditional language learning apps is not relevant to the specific communication needs. Therefore most of the time users end-up studying non-useful content - quit studying automatically follows.
<<When we study human language, we are approaching what some might call the human essence, the distinctive qualities of mind that are, so far as we know, unique to [humans] >>Noam Chomsky, 1968
Learning languages allows us to experience different ways of thinking. It enables us to develop the ability to change our perspective and adapt ourselves to the mindsets of others - which is a critical skill for effective communication.
Traditional language learning apps score very poorly in the pragmatic part of language learning. The reason is that since they need to focus on scalability and standardisation, they need to exclude the personalisation aspect - at the expense of the students.
Second language learning is a skill that requires empathy and understanding. Real communication cannot exclude the cultural and social norms of that language.
Language learning apps might be an excellent tool to boost motivation and to teach skills that require repetition, such as memorizing vocabulary and improving pronunciation. However, those language learning technologies alone cannot provide a comprehensive learning experience. You still need a real person to talk to, in order to understand what you need to learn and test if the knowledge that you are getting is somehow useful.
To conclude, it seems like the real teacher to student interaction is irreplaceable. That's the reason why at Edugo.AI we believe that language learning technology should be used to amplify, extend and scale the core human aspect of language learning.
In our latest software completely designed for language schools, we use state-of-the-art technology to help teachers get students engaged in learning through more interactive lectures and providing highly stimulating digital content and features. Technology automates many day-to-day tasks, and supports the teaching and management of larger group of students at once. In short, technology can empower teachers.
What we at Edugo.AI have done is integrate the most disruptive techniques into our one-stop platform specific to language learning. Our aim is to help language schools maximise the learning experience for their students, while increasing teaching and management efficiency as the institution scales up online.
