About 30 percent of American adults who were learning a language in 2025 reported using artificial intelligence as one of their learning resources. AI-based chatbots have now become one of the tools available to language learners and offer various possibilities for language practice.
Users can use tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to practice conversation in different languages, ask the meaning of unfamiliar phrases, and receive feedback on their writing. Some of these services also have voice capabilities and allow users to practice listening skills in addition to speaking.
But the question is whether one can become proficient in a foreign language by relying solely on AI chatbots?
According to a report from The Conversation website, research shows that chatbots can help language learners improve language skills, but so far there is no evidence that using these tools alone is sufficient to reach full proficiency in a language.
Learning a new language encompasses a set of skills, including the ability to understand spoken and written language as well as the ability to express thoughts verbally and in writing. The benefit a learner gains from chatbots also largely depends on how these tools are used.
Practicing conversation with AI
One application of chatbots is providing the opportunity to practice conversation. Users can use the voice capabilities of tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to simulate dialogue and practice speaking about various topics.
For example, someone preparing for a job interview in a foreign language can practice by answering questions related to their background and experiences, get feedback from the chatbot, and try different ways of expressing a sentence or phrase.
Research shows that practicing conversation with chatbots can help increase fluency and accuracy. One advantage of these tools is that a learner can repeat a conversation multiple times, receive feedback, and then try again. This process gives the individual a chance to focus on phrases that are difficult for them and correct recurring errors.
Speaking a foreign language can be anxiety-inducing for many people, especially when they are worried about making mistakes in front of others. Some learners have also said that conversing with bots is psychologically less stressful compared to speaking with humans, because they feel more freedom to try different phrases and worry less about judgment or criticism.
Reducing this concern can help learners speak more and even continue practicing after making mistakes.
AI assistance with writing in a foreign language
In addition to conversation, chatbots can be used when writing a sentence or paragraph in another language. These tools can provide feedback on written text and offer suggested corrections to improve it for the learner.
Research has shown that chatbots can help identify some grammatical errors and improve sentence structure and clarity. Receiving immediate feedback may also encourage learners to regularly review and revise their writing.
However, the quality of feedback provided by AI is not always consistent. A review of 51 studies on AI-generated feedback for second-language writing found that such feedback can sometimes contain errors or fail to correctly understand the writer's intent.
On the other hand, some studies have warned about learners becoming overly dependent on AI. Excessive use of these tools may lead learners to play a smaller role in decision-making about their writing and, instead of learning and revising independently, rely too much on AI suggestions.
As a result, AI chatbots can be useful tools for practicing conversation, strengthening writing skills, and receiving feedback, but existing evidence does not consider using them alone sufficient to achieve full proficiency in a foreign language.