As Google starts testing its new feature ‘Speaking practice’, experts suggest artificial intelligence (AI) could be your next English teacher.
Google is testing a new “Speaking practice” feature in Search that helps users improve their conversational English skills.
‘Speaking practice’ is available to English learners in Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Venezuela, Google told TechCrunch.
For example Google’s Speaking practice will ask people to respond to open-ended questions.
However, Google is yet to announce when ‘Speaking practice’ will be integrated into Google Search or expand to other markets.
As Google starts testing its new feature ‘Speaking practice’, experts suggest artificial intelligence (AI) could be your next English teacher. Google is testing a new “Speaking practice” feature in Search that helps users improve their conversational English skills.
‘Speaking practice’ is available to English learners in Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Venezuela, Google told TechCrunch. The new feature will be available to those who have joined Search Labs, Google’s program for users to experiment with early-stage Google Search experiences.
Why is ‘Speaking practice’ better?
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Google explained that it plans to experiment to help improve a user’s English skills. Its ‘Speaking practice’ allows users to take part in AI-based interactive language learning exercises to help them use new words in everyday scenarios.
Industry experts explain that with AI new English speakers can improve their speaking skills through conversational AI. Also the use of generative AI-based prompts can help to ideate conversations or story writing in english. “What many users don’t realise is that Machine learning uses user data to train algorithms, improving accuracy and personalization. It is crucial to review all terms of service and privacy policies to ensure user data is handled appropriately, especially in India where data privacy laws are evolving,” Siddharth Chandrashekhar, advocate and counsel, Bombay High Court, highlighted.
For example Google’s Speaking practice will ask people to respond to open-ended questions. These include prompts such as “What should I do to get into shape?” to initiate more natural conversations. Currently, the feature is expected to be in the test phase.
Is AI your next English teacher?
Last year, Google had introduced another language-focused search feature which allowed users to provide feedback on clarity and grammar from spoken queries. It is believed that ‘Speaking practice’ can be similar. Critics argue that the new feature focuses more on having a back-and-forth conversation than evaluating one-off queries.
However, Google is yet to announce when ‘Speaking practice’ will be integrated into Google Search or expand to other markets. Also users are waiting for the Google I/O 2024, for more information and updates about the new products that are scheduled to be launched at the event.
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