Why learning a language is better than using machine translation

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Reading time: 7 minutes

As technology and AI translation tools continue to advance, it's becoming increasingly tempting to rely on them for language-related tasks. However, this can potentially undermine motivation to learn a new language when technology seems to offer a shortcut. While machine translation can be helpful, it also has its limitations.

Learning a language goes beyond just communication; it opens the door to different cultures, mindsets, and perspectives of the world. Machine translation, despite its efficiency, cannot replicate the cultural immersion that comes with learning a language. Spoken language nuances, idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and implicit rules that are second nature to native speakers are often lost in translation. Let's delve deeper into why learning a language is better than solely relying on machine translation.

Why learning a language is better than machine translation
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Common translation issues

Machine translation isn't 100% perfect yet

In recent years, machine translation technologies have made significant strides. However, they can still struggle to capture the intricacies of the source language and accurately convey them in the target language, such as idioms, metaphors and wordplay, often providing a literal translation that lacks context.

A lack of knowledge about the written language or cultural norms can lead to misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Employing effective translation strategies can help address these challenges, but that takes time, testing and resources.

Some words and expressions, like the Danish ‘,’ have no direct translation and can be lost in machine translation. Machine translation networks can interpret nearly identical sentences differently due to their sensitivity to small variations. This inconsistency, along with the potential inclusion of human biases from its learning data, makes the reliability of these translations questionable at best.

Machine translation can miss context

Context is paramount in effective communication. It’s the cultural, social and linguistic backdrop that gives words their full meaning. Unfortunately, machine translation often fails to take context into account, resulting in translations that can miss the mark.

As language constantly evolves, incorporating new expressions, grammar and slang, machine translations face challenges in keeping up. This one example highlights the risk of missing context in translations and underscores the need for human translators who can navigate these changes and understand the subtleties of language.

Also these systems may segment text improperly due to complex formatting, causing translations to lack context if they’re cut in the middle of sentences.

Cultural nuances can be overlooked

Another aspect where machine translation can struggle is in recognizing and accurately translating terms of address that can vary based on certain aspects unknown to it, like age, title, relationship or social hierarchy.

For example, languages like Korean and Japanese are particularly rich in this respect, with a complex system of honorifics that can change the entire tone of a conversation. These honorifics are deeply embedded in the culture and are a crucial part of respectful communication. They signal the speaker's relationship to the listener, their relative social status, and level of formality required by the situation.

Machine translation systems may not discern these kinds of subtleties, often defaulting to the most direct or common translations without considering the context. This can lead to significant errors in communication, as using the wrong term of address might be seen as rude or inappropriate by fluent speakers.

Machine translations can lack personality

While translation technology has come a long way in terms of accuracy and fluency, it still falls short when it comes to capturing the personality or "soul" of a text. Language is not just a set of rules and vocabulary; it is a living, breathing form of expression that conveys emotions, tone and the unique style of the speaker or writer.

Every language carries its own cultural weight and subtleties, which are often intertwined with humor, irony and personal flair. These nuances are what give a language its richness and depth, and they are also what machine translations most frequently miss.

When you read a beautifully crafted piece of writing, be it literature, poetry or a heartfelt letter, you are not just processing information; you are experiencing the author's personality and emotional undertones. The choice of words, the rhythm of sentences, and the use of literary devices are all deliberate choices made by the author to evoke certain feelings and reactions.

Machine translations however, tend to operate on a purely functional level, prioritizing literal meanings over stylistic elements, thus stripping away the original flavor and personality of the text. They may be able to copy someone's style of writing, but they need that initial dataset to pull from; without the data, a machine would struggle.

Technology isn't always at hand to do the work for you

Despite technology simplifying language translation, it isn’t always available or dependable. There may be times when you don’t have access to the internet, when your translation app doesn’t work as expected or when there just simply isn't time. In these situations, knowing the language can be invaluable.

Being self-reliant in communication is crucial in a world where technology is constantly evolving. It’s about developing the confidence to navigate and use technology effectively without constant assistance. Just as we need to be self-reliant in using technology, we also need to be self-reliant in communication. And that means learning languages.

Advantages of learning a new language

Career opportunities

Proficiency in multiple languages can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Companies are on the lookout for multilingual employees for their capacity to foster positive client relationships and demonstrate cultural awareness. Bilingual individuals are particularly sought after in fields such as U.S. government agencies, the business market, engineering and the medical field.

Being bilingual not only gives you a competitive edge in the job market but also highlights your motivation and determination. These are qualities that employers value highly. Studies have also found that bilingual individuals have improved problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, which are highly valued across most career fields.

On top of that, bilingual employees can earn more money per hour on average than those who only speak one language (depending on the industry), according to various and . So learning a language can literally pay off.

More genuine interactions

Learning a language involves more than just memorizing a word list. You’re delving into a new way of thinking and using new sentences and expressing yourself. You’re learning how to communicate more effectively and authentically with people from different cultures. And that can lead to more genuine and meaningful interactions.

There are lots of different approaches and techniques to studying and learning new words. But to truly master a language, you need to use those vocabulary words in context, to understand their nuances and subtleties. And that’s something that machine translation just can’t provide.

Ultimately learning a language goes beyond mere communication - it’s about making connections. It’s about understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of human cultures and experiences. And it’s about enriching our own lives through the process of learning and discovery.

Personal Identity

Embarking on the journey to learn a language also paves the way for self-discovery. It helps shape our personal identity and gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. When we learn a new language, we’re not just learning a new way of communicating, we’re also learning a new way of thinking and viewing the world.

Being proficient in foreign languages can:

  • Broaden our cultural horizons and allow us to appreciate different cultural practices and worldviews

  • Encourage adaptability and openness to new experiences

  • Foster a global mindset

  • Promote personal growth through the development of discipline and the pursuit of continuous learning

The process of language acquisition can be a transformative experience.

Learning a second language is good for your brain

In addition to social and career advantages, learning a language also benefits your brain health. Research, such as the study conducted by Mechelli et al. (2004) in "," has shown that bilingual individuals have denser grey matter in their brains, compared to monolingual individuals. This can enhance cognitive abilities, such as improved memory, better problem-solving skills and increased mental agility.

Regularly using a second language has been linked to a stronger memory, with research indicating better performance on memory tests among bilingual individuals, affecting both short-term and long-term memory, as suggested by the study conducted by Bialystok et al. (2004) in "". Learning a foreign language can also enhance communication skills, increasing empathy and the ability to see things from another perspective, which in turn benefits everyday communication.

Creativity is yet another domain where language learners show prowess. Studies have found that the process of learning a language seems to unlock creative abilities in problem-solving and flexibility, as indicated by research like that of Kharkhurin (2009) in "".

So, whether you’re looking to boost your career, expand your horizons or just keep your brain sharp, learning a language is a really good idea.

Should I be using machine/AI translations at all then?

By all means, machine translations can be a helpful aid in certain contexts, such as quickly understanding the gist of a text or facilitating basic communication in a pinch. They are convenient when you need a fast translation and are dealing with simple, straightforward sentences. However, they should not be relied upon for deep understanding or nuanced communication.

Consider machine translation as a supplementary tool rather than a substitute for learning a language. It is when the intricate layers of language come into play—such as idioms, cultural references, and humor—that human touch becomes indispensable. So use machine translations with caution and awareness of their limitations, especially in situations where accuracy and cultural sensitivity are paramount.

Conclusion

Learning a language offers students numerous benefits over machine translation. It opens up new career opportunities, fosters deeper connections, enhances cognitive abilities and contributes to personal identity development. While machine translation tools have their place and can be very useful, they can’t replace the rich and nuanced understanding that comes with learning a language.

It’s a journey of discovery, a way to broaden your horizons and a key to unlocking the knowledge of cultures, history and experiences. And that’s something that no translation system or tool can ever provide.

Take the leap and pick up a new language with our language learning app Mondly by app or read our post 'Why should I learn English?'

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    1. Bob’s your uncle

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    2. The bee’s knees

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    3. More holes than Swiss cheese

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    4. Bamboozle

    To “bamboozle” someone means to trick or confuse them. This word itself sounds like a bit of a trick, doesn’t it? It’s believed to have originated in the 17th century, and it’s a perfect word to use on April Fool's Day when you’re pulling pranks on your friends.

    5. Fuddy-duddy

    A “fuddy-duddy” is someone who is old-fashioned or fussy. This term is often used affectionately to describe someone who is a bit behind the times. It’s a funny-sounding word that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

    6. Gobbledygook

    “Gobbledygook” refers to language that is meaningless or hard to understand, often used to describe overly complex jargon. It was coined during World War II by a Texas congressman who compared confusing bureaucratic language to the sound of a turkey’s gobble. It’s a perfect word for describing those moments when someone is talking but you have no idea what they’re saying.

    7. Mad as a hatter

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    8. Raining cats and dogs

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    9. Lollygag

    To “lollygag” means to dawdle or waste time. It’s a playful word that perfectly captures the essence of goofing off. So, if you find yourself procrastinating today, just tell everyone you’re lollygagging.

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    How to use praise to motivate your students

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    Praise in the classroom is a valuable resource that every teacher has in their toolbox.It can encourage struggling students and reward learners who have been studying diligently and working hard on their language skills.

    But not all types of praise have the same effect. Let’s take a look at different types of praise and how you can use it to boost your learners’ motivation andself-esteem.

    Different types of praise in the classroom

    There are three types of praise that teachers commonly engage in - but they’re not all equal and are not all desirable:

    • Personal praise: Here you praise a student for a specific ability or quality. For example, you might say something like,“You have a great memory for vocabulary”.
    • Effort-based praise: Thisis when you comment on a student’s efforts. For example, you could say,“I can see you tried really hard with this vocabulary homework – well done.”
    • Behavior-based praise:This type of praiseis where you comment on how a student is acting, an example would be,“You were really paying attention during the vocabulary lesson – good job.”

    So how – and when – should we use these types of praise in the classroom?

    Try not to praise ability

    The first type of praise – personal praise – should be avoided in the classroom.has shown that this type of praise doesn’t have a beneficial effect on motivation.

    In fact, praise for intelligence actually has a detrimental effect on student achievement. When students were praised for their intelligence, they tended to care more about their performance goals – the score they achieved on a test, for example. Learning goals, like mastering a new skill, became less important to them.

    Moreover, personal praise has been shown to undermine student resilience in the face of failure. Students showed less persistence when it came to challenging tasks and less enjoyment of the challenge. They also performed more poorly than children praised for effort.

    Furthermore, when you praise students for their ability, they also tend to see intelligence or aptitude as a fixed trait. However, students who are praised for effort are more likely to see ability as something they can improve on. This feeds into the development of a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset.It’s important toinstilla growth mindset in learners to enable them to reach their full potential.

    How to praise effort and behavior

    When it comes to praising effort and behavior, what’s the most effective way to do it? Here are some techniques to employ:

    1. Be specific

    General praise such as “Good job” isn’t nearly as effective as a comment that shows you’ve been paying attention to what the student is doing. A precise compliment will make a much bigger impact on a student, for example:“I was really impressed at how hard you concentrated during the listening exercise. Well done.”

    2. Give praise in the moment

    Immediate praise doesn’t need to be disruptive, but it shows students that you are paying attention and noticing good behavior and effort.

    3. Avoid comparisons with other students

    Instead of saying, “You got the best mark in the class – well done!” say something like,“You got a really high score in the reading test. Your hard work has really paid off this term.”

    4. Keep track of praise

    Before your class, choose three or four students you’re going to praise that day. That way, you can be sure that each and every student will benefit from the motivational power of effective classroom praise!

    5. Personalize your praise, depending on the student

    Young students enjoy being praised publicly, but shy students, older children and teenagers prefer positive feedback to be given quietly.

    Don’t overpraise and watch your positive bias

    It’s important to be sincere. Older children, especially adolescents, have an extremely low tolerance of insincerity. So, don’t be tempted to praise students too often, or too effusively – it can actually have a negative impact on your relationship with your whole class. Insincere praise can lead students to question your judgement.

    It’s also really important to be aware of your positive bias.that teachers consistently give students of color more positive feedback on their work. It’s done with good intentions, but it can actually be harmful. If you regularly overpraise students for minor achievements, it can imply that you have low expectations for these students. And, this can make your students feel like they might not be capable of fulfilling the high expectations that you should have of them.

    So, instead of overpraising, focus on giving specific, immediate praise to motivate your students, boost theirself-esteem and unlock their potential.