LISTEN, READ, IMPROVE …

What are the best ways to use AI for your English?
And what are the limitations and drawbacks?

This is a guide for humans and I think it’s only right to point out in this podcast especially that I am a human being, I’m not AI generated!

I’m Nick Simcock, a certified Language Coach.
I help Italians to unlock their English.

Se sei italiano e vuoi capire ogni parola di questo podcast, vai sul mio sito speakwithnick.it podcast: potrai ascoltarmi mentre segui la trascrizione completa. In più, troverai la sezione “Language Focus” per scoprire le frasi più particolari che uso. Go on my website, don’t miss it!

AI is an amazing tool to help you with your English, but real human interaction remains the key to success!

First I want to start this podcast by talking about human memory, how it works

Because it doesn’t matter how quickly and efficiently AI can organise your language learning, the way we humans learn and remember information is tied to how our brain works. Unlike a computer, we simply can’t upload new information like Neo did in the film The Matrix! Our brain chooses to remember only what it thinks is important for our survival: things loaded with emotion, experiences that we repeat or that are important to us and things we really need or find interesting.

So, AI is an amazing tool. If you have a sufficient need and interest to expand your English in a specific area of language, then a good prompt in an AI interface could be: “Give me a list of the most common phrases and words used in a conversation about this subject”.

But then how do we acquire that language, how do we make it stick, how do we remember it? Well, we have to do that in a human way

To really absorb the new language and place it in your long term memory – so it’s ready for when we need it – you are going to need to practice a lot. It’s no good trying to memorise long lists of information. What really works is to discuss things one at a time in English with a real person.

Language is a human creation born from our necessity and desire for human interaction. So, with a speaking buddy, evoke real passion, including personal experience and opinion. Include as many emotions and senses as possible: speak, write, read, watch, listen. Avoid fixed role plays, instead make it personal, debate and discuss.

These real and meaningful exchanges with other people will signal to your brain that these are moments worth remembering. To acquire language we need to use it a little bit everyday and then, and this is important, sleep on it because the brain needs good sleep to archive new information into the long term memory.

One great use for AI is to overcome any fear you have about speaking with real people

You can try an English chat for free, with an AI bot like Chat GPT for example. And start by giving it some clear prompts, like: “I would like to practise my English speaking with you. My experience is basic. First, I want to introduce myself”. And this becomes a great way to overcome any fear of speaking and give you the confidence you need to speak with real people!

Just speaking with AI obviously has limitations and drawbacks

AI can help you to find vocabulary and the answers you need, much quicker than any grammar book and it can offer basic speaking practice, but…

• There is nothing quite like interacting with a human. Communication is more than just an exchange of information. We share emotions and complex cultural aspects like humour that are intertwined with our history. There are many different and valid ways to use English around the world, many forms of English that don’t always conform to the grammar rules that AI uses. There are many nuances like accent and tone of voice that AI can’t reproduce authentically.

• AI models are designed to tell you what you want to hear. It wants to make you happy and it is a fact that AI will avoid or distort truths to create user satisfaction.

• And AI makes mistakes, yes just like humans – afterall we created it! So, it will offer you detailed results in a very professional and convincing way, but there may be errors!

And talking about errors:
Are immediate and constant corrections good for language learning?

Well, most people instinctively believe that they are good and that they need constant and immediate corrections to improve. However the truth is, immediate corrections interrupt our thought process and more importantly can destroy our self confidence and arouse stress levels, and once stress levels are aroused they kill the brain’s ability to learn anything – apart from a lingering negative feeling connected to the language! So be careful because AI can leave you feeling cold and demoralised.

Corrections are a debatable issue in language learning, it depends on many factors. What a good language coach will give you is support and empathy where you need it and at the right moment.

One thing is for sure, we humans need space to discover our own answers and solutions. That’s how the human brain makes strong new connections and really learns. Those magic ‘ah-ha moments’ of instant learning happen when we feel safe and motivated, with a positive and curious mindset. Learning thrives in creative thinking and free expression!

I believe the best thing about AI is that it reminds us of the beauty, uniqueness and flaws of human connection.

With AI encroaching in so many areas of our life and the uncertainty it brings, it’s never been a better time to be human!

So what are your experiences with AI?

Do you use it to assist you with your English learning?
Send me a message. I’m always curious to hear from you.
Leave a message below!

Remember people, stay creative and keep it real!

I’ll speak to you in the next podcast. Ciao for now