In the past month, Apple released its new AirPods Pro 3, and it comes with a major new addition — the ability to instantly translate other languages during conversations.
These new AirPods use AI to turn foreign words into Siri’s robotic voice. Currently, the live translation is only available in five languages (English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish), but additional languages such as Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) will be added by the end of the year.
While AirPods’ translation capabilities are undeniably convenient at times, this new technology begs the question: Is learning new languages still worth it in a world where AI can make instant — and increasingly good — translations?
Although this technology may seem to be a possible replacement for learning languages, it fails to capture some aspects of a normal conversation and the mental benefits of language learning.
Currently, AI lacks the ability to demonstrate body language, facial expression and additional nonverbal communication. In his research, UCLA psychology professor Albert Mehirabian found that 38% of communication comes from vocal indicators like tone and inflection. However, AI can’t fully incorporate many of these elements others are trying to convey. It also fails to consider the context or emotion in a conversation. Without these key components to communication, AI is unable to capture the entirety of a conversation.
Furthermore, everyday conversations are typically filled with slang and idioms that may have completely different connotations in other countries. Some of these phrases may not have an appropriate translation to other languages.
As much as it is challenging for AI to translate the full meaning of a conversation, the act of learning new languages also provides many benefits.
The most straightforward reason to learn a new language is to be able to communicate with others on a more personal level. Language is a defining part of a person’s identity and culture.
Being able to speak someone else’s native language trusts and allows connections to form, something that AI can’t fully replicate. Because of this connection, many employers look for people who can speak multiple languages. In fact, multilingual employees earn 19% more than employees who speak one language.
Outside of a professional setting, speaking to someone using their own language can create a comforting environment. Examples of this can be seen online, where countless videos show reactions of people hearing foreigners speak their language. In many cases, this leads to pleasantly shocked expressions and wholesome interactions. Learning a new language often requires a substantial effort that demonstrates a genuine dedication that breaks down cultural barriers. However, translating with AI cannot simulate or elicit the same cultural understanding and interaction.
Learning a language teaches more than just how to speak — it’s also about a country’s history and culture. Words carry the background and context of the past, reflecting a country’s development and history. It is a medium to understand social norms, cultural practices and way of life. Understanding many of these cultural nuances helps to see a country in a different perspective.
But in addition to the social aspects, learning a new language provides many cognitive benefits. The novel experience of learning a language helps form new connections in the brain. Those who speak more than one language typically have more neuron connections, which improves concentration, memory and creativity.
Studies have shown that speaking a second language can delay dementia by about four years. Additionally, these benefits translate into doing better in school, with multilingual students’ math and reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress improving two to three times more than students who speak one language.
Although AI may be able to translate words pretty accurately and can be used as a quick substitute when it’s convenient, it fails to provide the human connection, cultural understanding and cognitive improvement that traditional interactions hold.
