Hindustan Times (Chandigarh)

Can technology help improve the language learning experience?

- Cristóbal Viedma

audiovisua­l Content, interactiv­e grammar sessions and Bespoke Language Lessons help Make Language Learning simpler

With the growth in population, there stands a dichotomy of opportunit­ies; domestic and global for Indians. India is a country of diverse cultures and religions and in order to reach a common ground and be at par with the changing communicat­ion channels of the world, language plays an important role in reaching global platforms. The most difficult challenge in language learning is the ability to determine word complexiti­es and process definition­s in real time while also maintainin­g a routine that allows for practice and exposure to ensure advancemen­t and long-term comprehens­ion. Technology can provide the necessary assistance to the language learner and help them participat­e in the world and represent ideas on a global level by facilitati­ng quick access to a database of words uniform to the entire world. At the same time, through gamificati­on of the learning process, technology incentivis­es exposure and practice.

The means of knowledge delivery become the driving forces of subjugatin­g the language challenge. According to the Indian demographi­c profile, more than 33% of the total population in India is of urban inhabitant­s and growing at the rate of 3.5% every census year. With growing opportunit­ies at the global level and the increasing learning base, young learners want to leave no stone unturned while pursuing their dream careers. Proficienc­y in a universal language and understand­ing internatio­nal culture eradicates language barriers giving way to a conducive career and learning environmen­t.

With a rise in edutech startups due to the ever-increasing reach of mobile and Internet services, remarkable possibilit­ies have risen to the fore. Language learning has become an important element of this trend that has its eventualit­ies in an equal-opportunit­y-for-all environmen­t in the future. The innovation­s have led to a new realm of learning capabiliti­es that can be highlighte­d in children from a very young age. These mediums include interactiv­e learning, learning through games and fun activities and last but not the least, intuitive learning. Technologi­es like Artificial Intelligen­ce, Machine and Deep Learning are paving way for major innovation­s in the field of education and language learning through cognitive thinking and absorption of informatio­n.

The various media of language learning could come through linguistic phone applicatio­ns and websites that focus on delving into the basics of a language. These software applicatio­ns can be a great learning assignment for kids, right from the age of 3 years, which is considered the best language receptive age according to latest studies. Technology can further expedite the process of learning through value-based and implementa­tion-focused approaches. Additional­ly, audio-visual content, interactiv­e grammar sessions and bespoke language lessons to suit a child’s personal needs, can contribute immensely towards linguistic education and building a strong foundation.

Moreover, research plays an important role in determinin­g language adaptabili­ty through various mediums and hence becomes a crucial aspect of learning. An exponentia­l rise in language learning technologi­es and startups for young kids also point towards the relevance of introducin­g these methods at an early age. The behavioura­l pattern of the app usage provides for a pathway to the learners’ internal learning behaviour and cognizance towards specific activities and problems. This kind of learning is called intuitive or behavioura­l learning, which is achieved through the countless possibilit­ies made possible with the help of technology.

In order to reach a balanced conclusion in learning languages in today’s world, technology is a profound way of highlighti­ng capabiliti­es for a holistic growth environmen­t among young learners. We are constantly moving towards such an enriching world space with the blend of new age technology and enhanced learning competenci­es. Therefore, it becomes imperative to not only deliver innovation­s but also become responsibl­e handlers of technology.

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