AI won't replace the need to learn other languages and here's why.
We are getting use to the new repercussions since AI came on the scene. And there are still lots of unknowns.
But there is a general consensus that AI isn't ready to replace all human tasks just yet. Right now workers who can harness the benefits of AI to become better at their existing job and more productive will have an advantage over others.
When it comes to language learning there are quite a few benefits to use AI to tailor your language learning. It can produce learning material directly suited to your personal needs.
However, AI will not replace the need to learn other languages.
New research is increasingly showing the benefits on the brain of being bilingual or multilingual. It has been shown to delay the onset of dementia and can help with more creative and cross-discipline thinking. However, this research is only just being realized and it is catching up to what multilinguals already know - languages are good for the brain - the ultimate brain food!
So although we will soon be living in a world where AI will reduce the friction between two people who don't speak each other's language - having instant translations between a Portuguese speaker and a Swahili speaker, it will not eliminate the benefit to the human brain of being able to utilize those languages in the neural plasticity and brain health of the individual.
There is plenty of research that shows that babies thrive in a language rich environment from actual, warm human interactions. There is no replacing that in the near future.
When you compound that with multiple languages, you are hard-wiring the babies' brains to enhance their brain's growth spurt in this singular time in a human's life.