Language without lessons: The promise of large language models
Many teachers I’ve been speaking with believe that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT should complement rather than replace traditional language instruction. Happily for society, though perhaps not for us, the reverse is true.
Unlike practising guitar or shooting hoops, most people don’t learn languages for enjoyment; they endure the process for the language. You rarely hear someone say, “I can’t wait to drill verb conjugations tonight!” the way they might eagerly anticipate a jam session or a pickup game. For the vast majority, language learning is a chore, a necessary evil on the path to other goals—be it landing a job, navigating a new country, or accessing education. It’s not the practice itself that’s rewarding, but the eventual outcome. Continue Reading →