Duolingo has become a leader in the realm of language learning applications, primarily due to innovative marketing strategies. However, the app faces stiff competition from various alternative platforms. Concerns regarding Duolingo’s shift towards AI and the reduction of human instructors may motivate users to explore these options more seriously.

A new contender is emerging in the language-learning arena, and it’s backed by a significant name: Google. Recently, the tech giant introduced an AI-driven language education initiative known as Little Language Lessons. Unlike a conventional app, this is an experimental feature available in Google Labs, offering bite-sized lessons in several languages.

Let’s delve into the workings of Google’s Little Language Lessons.

Exploring Google’s Language Learning Experience

To begin, visit the Google Labs Little Language Lessons page and log in using your Google credentials. A prompt will inform you that this feature is still experimental and employs generative AI, which may not always provide accurate results—a common issue with AI tools.

Currently, Google provides lessons in 22 languages, showcasing various dialect options. These include:

• Arabic
• Chinese (China)
• Chinese (Hong Kong)
• Chinese (Taiwan)
• English (AU)
• English (UK)
• English (US)
• French (Canada)
• French (France)
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Hindi
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Portuguese (Portugal)
• Russian
• Spanish (Latin America)
• Spanish (Spain)
• Turkish

Once logged in, users can experiment with three unique lesson formats. The first, “Experiment no. 001,” is referred to as “Tiny Lesson,” which helps you learn vocabulary, phrases, and grammatical rules tailored to your needs. Users can select a language and specify a “theme or purpose” in a text box. If you’re uncertain, Google offers pre-set options like “taking a taxi,” “scuba diving,” or even “going on a first date.”

For example, selecting Portuguese (Portugal) with the theme “taking a taxi” generates three categories for exploration: Vocabulary, which displays relevant words like “o táxi” for “the taxi,” Phrases, such as “Pode chamar um táxi, por favor?” meaning “Can you call a taxi, please?,” and Tips for using expressions like “ter que” to indicate necessity. Each term and phrase includes an audio feature for proper pronunciation.

The second format, “Experiment no. 002,” called “Slang Hang,” focuses on familiarizing users with colloquial language and expressions relevant to the regions where the target languages are spoken. For instance, using U.S. English generates a dialogue between characters, showcasing how they might interact naturally, with slang underlined. Users can click on the speaker icon to hear the expressions in context.

Dialogues unfold one side at a time, with the user pressing the space bar to see the next line. If a fresh scenario is desired, the refresh symbol allows for a new storyline, while an ‘X’ exits the section altogether. Currently, Slang Hang lacks support for certain languages, including Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Portugal), and Turkish.

The final feature, “Experiment no. 003,” is called “Word Cam.” This functionality enables users to take a photograph and share it with the web application to enhance vocabulary related to their environment. It’s best utilized on mobile devices for practicality.

Upon granting camera access, snapping a photo allows Word Cam to analyze the picture, highlight items, and provide corresponding labels in the desired language. For example, a picture snapped at a street corner might identify the car as “o carro,” the grass as “a relva,” and the bush as “arbusto.” Each label offers access to detailed information and usage examples in different contexts.

Evaluating Little Language Lessons Against Duolingo

Little Language Lessons presents an intriguing approach, and there’s curiosity surrounding its potential effectiveness. However, it might not drastically impact Duolingo’s user base. While it offers a more relaxed and personalized way of learning, contrasting with Duolingo’s structured curriculum, it allows learners to focus on relevant and frequently used vocabulary in their daily lives.

One notable concern involves the reliability of the AI-generated content. If the system delivers incorrect translations, it introduces a learning risk. Human oversight and validation in lesson creation could enhance trustworthiness and accuracy—if content were crafted with input from experts, learners might feel more secure in their education. As it stands, users may prefer to verify information provided by these lessons before fully adopting it.