I Tested ChatGPT for Language Learning: 10 Effective Strategies I Discovered

My initial interaction with ChatGPT through a text message piqued my curiosity. Months later, experiencing a voice call with it truly revealed its potential for language acquisition.

While studying Mandarin in Taiwan, I've incorporated ChatGPT into my daily routine, helping me progress from A1 to B2. I've gathered some useful techniques, so here are 10 methods (including example prompts) to learn a language using ChatGPT.

How Useful is ChatGPT for Language Learning?

ChatGPT is an AI language model created by OpenAI, trained on massive datasets containing numerous languages. As a language model, you can converse with it, and it delivers coherent and surprisingly human-like responses.

Its strongest language is English. Beyond English, it also performs well with languages that have a significant online presence, such as Spanish and French. A PhD student from Shanghai even mentioned to me that its Mandarin sounds quite natural.

However, for less common languages, like Swahili and Icelandic, its performance is less consistent.

Although ChatGPT is a relatively new application, research already exists regarding its efficacy for language learning. For instance, studies affirm that it can function as a personalized language tutor, offer writing corrections and create a safe space for learners to practice.

One significant limitation is that it can occasionally provide incorrect answers for "context-based questions," such as those involving rare idioms or cultural references.

AI is continually evolving, however. If you're learning a widely spoken language (like any of the languages featured on Lingflix), ChatGPT can be an enormously beneficial study aid.

10 Methods to Use ChatGPT for Language Learning

Here are 10 learning strategies with ChatGPT that I've personally used and evaluated. Just remember that GPT-4 (the paid, advanced version) performs significantly better than GPT-3.5 (the free version)!

1. Explain the differences between words

Anyone learning a language will inevitably come across words that share the same English translation—yet carry distinct meanings for native speakers.

ChatGPT is quite skilled at clarifying the nuances between similar terms. For example, all three of the following Chinese words are translated as "change" in English:

Example Prompts:

• Can you explain the difference between…?
• In which situations would you use…?

2. Do translations with context

ChatGPT—specifically GPT-4—ranks among the most dependable online tools for translation. It outperforms Google Translate, and a friend pursuing a graduate degree in translation mentioned they use ChatGPT in class as an initial step for translation assignments.

Even more useful, you can provide it with context. You can specify if the translation requires a formal or informal tone, or even detail the specific situation it will be used in. For instance, Latin American Spanish can vary considerably between countries, such as Mexico and Argentina.

Just keep in mind that ChatGPT generally produces better translations into English than from English into another language.

Example Prompts:

• Can you translate… into [language]?
• How would I say… in [language] if I’m talking casually to a friend / for a formal email / in a presentation?

3. Generate vocabulary for specific situations

This is one of ChatGPT's most practical applications. I needed to undergo an eye exam and purchase contact lenses using Chinese, and since my medical vocabulary was limited (words like "astigmatism" and "contact lens solution"), I asked ChatGPT to create a list of relevant terms for me.

It was worthwhile because many of those words were actually used during my appointment! I also tested this for opening a bank account and getting a haircut, and it felt like receiving an instant reference guide.

Here’s how this might work in French, for example:

Example Prompts:

• Can you give me important phrases for…?
• What vocabulary should I know for…?

4. Correct your grammar

Want immediate feedback on your grammar? Besides using a dedicated grammar application, you can submit your writing in your target language to ChatGPT.

It surpasses many grammar apps by providing detailed explanations for your grammatical errors. By consistently receiving this kind of feedback, you'll assimilate the grammar rules of your target language more quickly.

Beyond just grammar, you can even ask it for suggestions to polish and enhance your writing.

Example prompts:

• Please correct the grammar here and explain why the grammar is wrong.
• Is the tense / conjugation correct in this sentence?
• I am learning [language]. Give tips on how to smooth out this paragraph and make it sound closer to how a native speaker would write.

5. Practice conversations

Daily life, politics, art, book discussions, or even inventing amusing imaginary scenarios—ChatGPT can be your conversation partner for all these topics.

This is more than just experimenting with a chatbot. Leading language learning applications, including Duolingo and Memrise, have already integrated lessons powered by this technology into their platforms.

If you have GPT-4, elevate the experience by making phone calls with ChatGPT, allowing you to speak and listen in your target language. While it doesn't replace conversing with (and befriending) a native speaker, it still offers substantial practice.

Example Prompts:

• I am learning [language], and my level is [beginner/intermediate/advanced]. Can we practice talking about [topic]?
• Let’s talk about [topic]. I am currently a [language] learner, please correct me when I make mistakes during our conversation.
• Can we role-play a [situation] in [language]?

6. Start a voice diary

Keeping a daily diary in your target language is a well-established language learning strategy. With GPT-4, you can challenge yourself by maintaining a voice diary, where you verbally recount your day in the language you're learning.

Of course, this shouldn't be a monologue—instruct ChatGPT to ask you reflective questions afterward.

If you're discussing a job interview you had in Spanish, it might ask: "What insights did you gain from the experience?" or "How confident are you about getting the position?"

Example Prompts:

• I want to practice [language]. I’ll describe an experience, then please ask me reflection questions afterwards.
• I’m learning [language], and I want to practice by talking about [situation]. Afterwards, ask me follow-up questions about it.

7. Have it break down sentences

This scenario will sound very familiar to any language learner. You're examining a sentence, feeling puzzled because you understand the individual words but can't grasp the overall meaning. Or perhaps you've already consulted a dictionary and it still doesn't click.

I've frequently used ChatGPT for assistance with this. You can provide the confusing sentence, and it will explain the function of each component along with the sentence's overall meaning.

Example Prompts:

• Can you explain the meaning of this sentence, then break it down word per word?
• Please break down the sentence… Explain the role and meaning of each word, along with the grammar structures used.

8. Create exercises and quizzes

In addition to using flashcard apps like Anki, I've prepared for tests with ChatGPT by having it generate mini-quizzes.

It can sometimes be inconsistent with multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, but it excels at creating translation exercises (ideal for practicing grammar points).

Example Prompts:

• Create a quiz about…
• Come up with translation exercises to help me practice…
• Create a conjugation exercise for [verb].

9. Come up with graded reader-style stories

ChatGPT can be a creative storyteller, especially with well-crafted prompts. You can leverage this for language learning by having it simulate a graded reader.

Provide a list of vocabulary or grammar structures (along with your proficiency level), and it can compose a story that integrates all these elements.

Example Prompts:

• Come up with a [language] short story about [theme] for [language level].
• Generate a graded reader-style story that’s for intermediate learners, then add a vocabulary list for it after.

10. Explore language learning bots

There are numerous customized chatbots available that you can use for free—and several are popular for language learning.

For instance, one called Language Teacher | Ms. Smith has already been used by many. Another interesting one is Language Learner, which provides interactive lessons, stories, and even images you can practice describing:

As an alternative, you can always create your own—you'll just need to focus on refining your prompts or instructions for ChatGPT.

Common Questions about ChatGPT

Can you learn a language with ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a very useful supplementary tool for language learning because it's a versatile and intelligent resource. It can correct your grammar, assist with vocabulary practice, act as a conversation partner, and even answer questions about the language.

However, like other apps and textbooks, it should be one component of a comprehensive study plan. In addition to practicing with ChatGPT, it's also crucial to converse with native speakers—perhaps on a tutoring platform like italki—and immerse yourself in content in your target language.

What languages is ChatGPT fluent in?

ChatGPT continuously absorbs new data, so its language abilities are always improving. Generally, it's proficient in over 50 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.

That said, its performance is not as strong with languages like Arabic, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Less common languages found online, such as Tibetan, Basque, and Maori, receive less coverage. I tested it with Tibetan previously, and a Tibetan monk classmate confirmed that ChatGPT's translation was completely nonsensical!

Is ChatGPT free?

ChatGPT 3 is free for personal use, but for the more advanced model (GPT-4), a subscription is required. It's important to note that even with a subscription, there is typically a message limit, such as 40 messages every three hours.

What is the best AI for language learning?

ChatGPT is the most widely known AI chatbot for language learning because it was the first of its kind to be launched, but other models like Claude, Gemini, and Copilot also possess advanced capabilities. All of these offer free versions, so you can experiment with them yourself to determine which one you prefer.

AI is undoubtedly here to stay. As its language capabilities continuously improve, you can expect ChatGPT (and other AI chatbots) to become increasingly prevalent in the language learning landscape.

So, test out the ChatGPT methods I've shared above. Once you discover one that suits you, it will streamline your language learning process, and you might even develop your own innovative ideas!