I’ve recently been making another push in my own language learning journey. Beyond personal reasons, language learning also offers benefits for teachers. Gaining firsthand experience helps us better understand the challenges our students face.
Recently, I’ve been using ChatGPT for self-study more and more. I’m going to tell you about the 10 things I use it for the most.
1. Translator
Let’s get the least impressive out of the way first. ChatGPT is an impressive translator. It’s head and shoulders better than Google Translate, and this is especially noticeable with harder languages (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic).
At first, it may seem slightly more inconvenient to use on the phone app because you have to type “How do you say xxx in yyy language” every time. However, you can set up keyboard shortcuts in the settings menu of your phone.
2. Register
ChatGPT can give you different options for register, including differing levels of formality and politeness. It can even help with nuance for different situations such as style or tone. This is a useful tool for students to practise different levels of formality and tone.
3. Error Correction and Explanation
By simply copying and pasting your text into ChatGPT, you can ask it to check for errors and give explanations as well as suggestions. This is a great function for students who are writing diaries or journaling as part of their self-study routine. The instant feedback is incredibly useful. I find it really helps build confidence and encourages you to stretch yourself.
4. Translation Practice
This was a suggestion from a language learning chat group, and I’ve incorporated it into my daily routine. I ask ChatGPT to give me 10 sentences in a language at my level. I read the sentences, translating in my head (or writing them down), and note any new vocabulary or unusual grammar structures. Then I ask ChatGPT for the English translation and check mine side by side, noting any differences in understanding.
I then go through all the new vocabulary, asking ChatGPT for the meaning as well as simple example sentences. I also quiz it on the grammar structures.
Try this prompt:
“Hi ChatGPT. Can you give me 10 sentences in XXX language at A1/A2/B1/B2/C1 level to translate to English.”
5. What Word Did I Hear?
If you’re immersed in a language environment, sometimes you catch a word and you don’t know what it means. It’s often hard to find out because you don’t know how to spell it. ChatGPT can help you figure out which word it is. I’ve had great success with this, and as the word has caught your ear, you’ll find you remember it easily. This is particularly useful for languages with unfamiliar scripts like Korean, Chinese, or Japanese.
Try this prompt:
“Hi ChatGPT. I heard a word in XXX (language). It sounds something like YYY (word). What might it be? The context/situation is …”
6. Topic-Related Vocabulary
Learning vocabulary is an important part of language learning, and it can be useful to learn vocabulary relating to a topic. ChatGPT can generate lists of vocabulary for any topic you ask about. You can even restrict the vocabulary to certain levels, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
You can also ask it to list related words, or different word forms (parts of speech). And as always, you can ask it to give example sentences using the words.
7. Explain a Grammar or Language Point
This can be exceedingly helpful, especially if you are taking an immersive language class where the language of instruction is the same language you are learning. While there are many benefits to this style of instruction, sometimes students don’t fully understand the use of certain grammar—especially when it differs from the learner’s native language.
You can ask ChatGPT to explain a grammar point and provide simple, clear examples that are level-specific. You could then create your own examples and ask ChatGPT for feedback.
8. Speaking Prompts and Conversation Topics
If you have a language learning buddy, a language exchange partner, or a tutor, you can ask ChatGPT to suggest level-specific speaking prompts or conversation topics.
Even if you don’t have a speaking partner, this can be a useful exercise. Imagine you will be meeting a friend and want to talk about a certain topic. Go through what you want to say in your head. Do you have a grasp of the right language? Do you know the necessary vocabulary?
9. Simplified Texts for Reading
It can sometimes be hard to find level-appropriate reading material for language learning. Why not ask ChatGPT to rewrite a text so that it is suitable for your level? You could also ask ChatGPT to pick out the top 10 useful vocabulary words from the text and make a matching exercise with them. That way, you can pre-learn key vocabulary before reading.
10. Role Playing
ChatGPT can be a great role-play buddy. Tell it the situation you want to practice, as well as your approximate level. You can even ask it for feedback afterwards. You can do this via text chat or vocally on the phone app. Availability may vary depending on the language you are learning. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on, as updates are coming thick and fast!
Conclusion
ChatGPT is a great tool for language learners who are serious about their self-study routine. This technology is still new, and I’m still exploring it myself. If you’ve discovered other helpful ways to use ChatGPT for self-study, let us know in the comments.
As a language teacher, I’ve also noticed some challenges when students use ChatGPT. Perhaps it’s time to reflect on how we can help students develop better self-study habits using this tool. But that’s a topic for another day.