- We tested multiple AI tools like Talkpal, Langua, ChatGPT, and others which offer an interactive and conversational style of learning a new language.
- This guide focsues on free AI tools to quickly learn the basics of any new language.
Learning a new language can be an overwhelming experience and a test of your patience. Since AI tools have emerged as a quick and efficient way of grasping new skills, I recently tried learning Spanish using the top AI chatbots like Talkpal, Kansei, Speakpal, and even legacy tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Here’s my experience with the same.
(Also Read – This Is How You Can Speak Multiple Languages For Free Using Meta AI)
Learning Spanish with Talkpal
Talkpal is among the most popular AI-powered tools on the internet for learning new languages. It is powered by GPT large language models (LLMs), which also powers OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The free variant of Talkpal does not require any credit card, unlike other similar services which do not work unless you provide card details. There’s also a Premium version with a 14-day trial, but I used the free model for this guide.
The signup process is simple and requires only your email ID. You can learn over 20+ languages using Talkpal. In the beginning, the tool asks basic questions to understand the extent to which you wish to learn the language.
Once you set your preferences, head over to the Chat section. While Talkpal offers multiple modes of learning such as Chat, Diaogue, Roleplays, Debates, etc., only the Chat mode is available in the free version. However, the daily limit for free users is just 10 minutes.
As the name suggests, the Chat Mode offers a conversational method for learning in the form of an AI teacher. The Talkpal chatbot started with basic phrases such as introduction, how to ask someone for their name, describing your background, etc. in Spanish.
You can either type your response or use the voice input which gets transcribed automatically. Talkpal analyses your input and replies with both text and sound, helping you learn the pronunciations.
The Problems with Talkpal
After spending two days with Talkpal within the free limits, I became familiar with some basic Spanish words and sentences. However, I found the learning process to be flawed for a beginner, here’s why.
While conversation-based learning adds a good flow, it does not add much value to the learning aspect. This is because Talkpal did not actually teach me anything from its AI prowess. Instead, it felt more like using a Translator who was responding to me with translated content in the form of messages.
I am not blaming Talkpal here. It is indeed an interactive tool which makes it easy to learn a language, which is a complex job in itself. But if you are a method-based learner like me, then Talkpal does not look like a good fit, at least the free version.
My Experience with Kansei and Other Tools
Kansei was also among the top-rated AI language-learning tools. After using Talkpal, I tried Kansei with high expectations but… was left disappointed. The moment I opened the tool and selected the language, it started conversing with me in Spanish.
I explained to the chatbot that I was not familiar with the language, but it kept replying to me in Spanish and I was left on my own to figure out what the bot said. I also faced a significant delay in the responses and the overall experience was filled with friction. For someone who has no idea about a language and is looking for a crash course, it felt as if I needed a separate course to understand how to use Kansei effectively.
I also tried other AI chatbots like Langua, LangAI, and others, but most of them asked for a credit card to access the free trial. Since I was looking for free options, and most importantly, something beginner-friendly, I turned towards our trusted ChatGPT and Gemini.
Learning Spanish with ChatGPT
While ChatGPT uses a similar conversational format as Talkpal, I found it to be much better. When I asked the chatbot to teach me Spanish as a beginner, it gave me a complete lesson of basic phrases on introduction, greetings, and other quick chats. It finally felt that someone was teaching me a language, instead of just giving me translations.
ChatGPT also gave me a breakdown of words to explain to me how to pronounce them. I could also use the speak-out button and listen to the response. After a few back and forth with the basics, ChatGPT asked me to start a conversation in Spanish. This started to feel like a test, I was back to school!
From the bits and pieces of Spanish that I picked up from ChatGPT and Talkpal, I started talking to the chatbot. It analysed my input and pointed out my mistakes. This was something that Talkpal lacked.
After using both Talkpal and ChatGPT for 20-30 minutes each, I can confidently say that ChatGPT was much better and more interactive to learn. Mucho Gusto, ChatGPT! (Nice to meet you, ChatGPT)
Learning a new Language using Gemini
ChatGPT’s arch-rival Google Gemini also offered a similar UI, being a typical AI chatbot. However, when I first asked Gemini that I wanted to learn Spanish, it gave me a summary of the top search results on how to learn Spanish, instead of actually teaching me. After a quick follow-up prompt, it started teaching me the basics of introduction.
After the initial mismatch, the experience was smooth and similar to that of ChatGPT. After one point, Gemini asked to start a conversation in Spanish, just like a test. When I started to reply in Spanish, the bot highlighted my mistakes and suggested me ways to improve.
The Inconsistency of AI Chatbots
AI chatbots are trained on large language models which generate responses in real time. Hence, the chatbot may give you different responses even if you ask the same question twice. Due to this reason, your mileage and experience of of learning a new language using AI bots may vary. This is the biggest drawback in using AI for learning any new skill compared to using a pre-defined course or a book.
FAQs
Q. Is it practical to learn a language using AI chatbots?
Yes, it is practical and possible to learn a new language using modern AI chatbots. The key is to select appropriate tools and remain flexible to try various other apps to check which methods suit best for you.
Q. Which is the best AI chatbot to learn a language?
Based on our experience with Talkpal, Kansei, Langua, and other tools, we suggest that OpenAI’s ChatGPT is the best tool for learning new languages as it offers comprehensive lessons even in the free version.
Wrapping Up
Using AI chatbots is an innovative and quick method to learn a new language. Although it may feel difficult at the start, you can grasp the basics of a language using free tools like ChatGPT, which should be enough for your quick business or leisure foreign trips. Follow GadgetsToUse for more such productive guides.
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