As the world becomes more interconnected, speaking and understanding foreign languages is increasingly important. The good news is that language learning has greatly advanced, thanks in part to the internet and our connections in the modern world.
Like other learning methods, technology has advanced language learning and learners no longer need to solely rely on taking classes, listening to recordings, reading books, and taking tests. The process is becoming more engaging and interactive, with the integration of apps, virtual reality, and AI-powered tools. Learners can now practice conversations through language exchange platforms, engage in immersive simulations, and receive instant feedback on pronunciation and grammar. The best part is that people can connect with native speakers, allowing them to experience the language in its natural environment, and gain cultural insights that go beyond traditional learning methods.
Immersion – the key to successful language learning
“Experience the language in its natural environment” – that’s called language immersion and is only possible when you travel, right? Wrong! Virtual reality opens new doors to language learning. It allows us to travel around the world without the need to leave our house.
Think about it – you’re able to visit a restaurant in Paris through your computer and practice listening and speaking French while you’re there. You can also visit museums, historical sites, landmarks, and all kinds of places in the country of your choice. With the growth of AI speech analysis technology, you’re able to chat with virtual avatars along the way.
Learning a language in VR
Most guides on language immersion overlook virtual reality (VR) as a powerful option, instead emphasizing the need for learners to be surrounded by supportive people. It’s surprising how many language learners remain unaware of the potential to learn in virtual reality, despite having access to platforms that make this possible. VR offers an immersive environment where learners can practice speaking, listening, and interacting with others in lifelike scenarios, all without the need to travel or rely on a physical community. This technology opens up new avenues for language immersion, making it easier and more engaging than ever before.
We’ll discuss a few of them:
1. Mondly VR
Mondly VR stands out as a leading VR language learning platform. With its immersive and interactive approach, Mondly VR transports learners into simulated environments where they can engage in realistic conversations, practice pronunciation, and expand their vocabulary. The platform incorporates speech recognition technology, gamified lessons, and visually appealing virtual scenarios, making language acquisition an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Currently, the tool offers learners between 30 languages they would like to learn. These include Russian, Japanese, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Arabic, and more. The interactive scenarios make the process fun and enjoyable.
The huge advantage of Mondly is that it transports you into real-life situations, such as giving directions in a cab, or talking with a receptionist in a foreign hotel.
2. Noun Town
Noun Town, offers a unique approach to language learning in VR. Focusing specifically on vocabulary acquisition, Noun Town transforms language learning into an immersive experience where learners are transported to a grayscale island that progressively transforms into a vibrant, colorized environment as they complete various language learning tasks.
This visual transformation adds an element of motivation and achievement, creating a sense of progress and accomplishment as users advance through their language learning journey.
3. VirtualSpeech
English serves as the primary language for international business communication. The VirtualSpeech English for Business course is specifically designed to cater to this sector, enabling individuals from across the globe to enhance their listening and speaking abilities in a business-oriented context. This course is an essential investment in one’s career advancement.
With this course, you learn business English through tutorial classes, and practice different scenarios in VR as you progress through the course. It’s the perfect combination that supports a faster and more effective language learning process.
You can now practice roleplay situations with ChatGPT in different languages with the VirtualSpeech app.
The platform will prepare you for different business-related situations, such as a job interview, communicating with clients, or meeting with stakeholders. You’ll be put in realistic scenarios that challenge your ability to express yourself most effectively. You’ll get feedback that helps you get better.
VirtualSpeech is focused on improving your communication skills. In other words, their goal is to make you a more confident speaker and better listener. Its voice analysis technology can analyse your pace of voice and pick up hesitation words, giving you feedback on how to speak more clearly.
4. ImmerseMe
ImmerseMe is another VR-based platform that offers a language learning experience. This platform provides the opportunity to learn nine different languages, including German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, English, Indonesian, Greek, and Italian.
ImmerseMe takes you on a language-learning journey by placing you in various scenarios that prompt you to practice speaking in real-life situations. For instance, you might find yourself buying tapas in Spain, a bento box in Tokyo, or a baguette in Paris. Through these practical lessons, you’ll develop the skills needed to navigate real-world scenarios when you eventually visit the country of your choice.
How to benefit from a VR language learning experience
Simply choosing a VR language learning tool and signing up isn’t a guaranteed path to success. Mastering a new language still requires dedication and effort on your part. The good news is that with VR, the learning process becomes more dynamic and immersive, moving away from traditional lessons. To help you get the most out of your VR language learning experience, here are a few tips to make it more engaging and effective.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
VR technology gives you a different experience than similar conversations you have with Duolingo and other popular language learning platforms. You get a life-like experience that simulates real situations. Since the tool will give you instant feedback, you won’t have much time to think. You’ll just need to act, just like you would do in a real situation.
The point is to speak up! Don’t be afraid; no one is grading you. Just talk to these virtual characters and let the conversation flow. You’ll make mistakes; that’s for sure. But don’t worry too much about them. They are a natural occurrence in the language learning process. With time and practice, you’ll be getting better. Just keep speaking!
Practice with AI Avatars in VR with the VirtualSpeech app.
Challenge yourself in a safe environment
We learn best by being immersed in situations that force us to use a language. However, such situations also overwhelm us. It’s not rare to see someone who does great in a language learning course but is completely stuck when found in a real-life situation that requires them to implement that knowledge. VR enables us to improve our language skills through practice. Still, you have to challenge yourself!
Through this technology, you’ll be put in real-life situations that may still be overwhelming. You might forget words you know. At first, you’ll be thinking a lot before you finally speak up. That might make you believe that the process is not effective but don’t give up! You have to make an effort and keep practicing.
What makes this process so effective is that it helps you build self-confidence over time. When you really get into a situation that demands language use, you’ll remember you’ve already been in a similar version of it. Although it was a VR experience, you’ll know how to handle it.
Use the feedback to improve
Unlike traditional language courses, VR language learning platforms don’t assign grades or measure success with pass/fail criteria. Instead, you’re provided with constructive feedback designed to help you improve continuously.
Embrace that feedback—it’s there to guide you, not to judge you. This powerful technology offers personalized suggestions not just for expanding your vocabulary, but also for refining your pronunciation and building your confidence as a speaker. With every interaction, you’ll be moving forward and getting better.
While virtual reality isn’t set to replace traditional language learning apps just yet, as not everyone has access to the necessary equipment, these innovations offer an exciting glimpse into the future of language learning. The immersive experiences VR provides are reshaping how we engage with new languages, making the process more dynamic and interactive. One thing is certain—the future of language learning is going to be amazing!