Google has announced Little Language Lessons – a new generative AI-based experiment that uses Gemini to help users learn new languages with tips that designed to be used in real world situations.
Google says the bite-sized lessons can help users accomplish things like ordering coffee, catching a phrase when listening to a conversation, or describing what you see around you.
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The experiment, which is blatantly a shot across the bow of established players like Duolingo, has three facets that sound like they could be really helpful across a number of scenarios.
Google briefly describes them below.
- Tiny Lesson provides useful vocabulary, phrases and grammar tips for a specific situation.
- Slang Hang generates authentic conversations to help you learn expressions and slang.
- Word Cam turns your camera into an instant vocabulary tool.
Let’s look at each in more detail..
Tiny Lessons
Google says these small lessons will get to the point, providing that when you need that one specific word or phrase when you need it.
“One of the most frustrating parts about learning a language is finding yourself in a situation where you need a specific word or phrase—and it’s one that you haven’t learned yet,” Google says.
With the new Gemini tool, all you’ll need to do is describe what you need in a moment like “Japanese for finding a lost passport.”
This will surface useful vocabulary both in spoken and written form. You’ll be able to play an audio file or help with making yourself clear in pronunciation. Furthermore, other useful statements like “I need to contact the embassy” or “I want to call the police” will be available.
Slang Hang
When you start to feel comfortable with the formal language, you can start to pick up on some of the region specific slang and dialect that’ll help you blend in like a native.
“The idea is simple: generate a realistic conversation between native speakers and let users learn from it,” Google says on in an expanded page on its developer blog. “You can watch the dialogue unfold, revealing one message at a time and unpacking unfamiliar terms as they appear.”
You’ll be able to tap on certain expressions within the conversations for deeper explanations.
Love this idea. Learning from native speakers is the best way to master the nuances of any language. Or, as Cassandra in Wayne’s World says, watching the Police Academy movies.
World Cam
Ah, the “what’s that?” option! Google says this is great for the finer points of language. You might know the word for window in French, but perhaps not the word for windowsill, blinds, curtains and more.
“Word Cam turns your camera into an instant vocabulary helper. Snap a photo, and Gemini will detect objects, label them in your target language, and give you additional words that you can use to describe them,” Google adds.
How to use Google’s Little Language Lessons?
Easily! You can head to this Google Labs webpage, login with your Google account and take Tiny Lessons, Slang Hang and World Cam for a spin.
