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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  • A girl sat at a desk looking at an exam paper, there are people behind her sat at desks in a row doing similar

    Reducing exam day stress

    By Amy Malloy

    What are the origins of exam-day stress?

    There’s no doubt about it – exams are scary. But why exactly is this? What is it about an exam scenario that stresses us out and how can we make it feel okay?

    To answer these questions, we’re going to have to take a trip back in time and look at how our ancestors evolved their abstract thinking skills. At the same time, we’ll look at how mindfulness can actively help shift the way we think about exams.

    About 70,000 years ago, or thereabouts, a critical development happened in how the human brain processed experiences.

    Over a relatively short time (in evolutionary terms), scientists believe we stopped simply experiencing primal urges (safety/hunger/tiredness etc.) and responding to them.

    Instead, we started to be able to imagine, analyze and believe in things that didn’t exist. This meant not only could our brains respond to the threat of a real predator in front of us, but also to the perceived or imagined threat of a predator. This shift had really interesting consequences for our future relationship to threat.

    Developing imaginations also meant we started to believe in the same things as our peer groups. As a result, if a member of the tribe stopped behaving in a way that supported the tribe’s survival, other members might start to doubt their usefulness as a member of the community.

    At this time, social isolation meant no share of the food and no protection against predators. Inclusion was directly linked to survival. Essentially the physiological consequences of not meeting societal expectations were the same as coming face-to-face with a lion: fight or flight.

    Why is fight or flight mode a problem for exam performance?

    Fast forward to the present day and the context of English language exams. Exams are a type of societal expectation: a standard of language proficiency which a student is required to meet to prove their usefulness in a community who speaks that language.

    Thinking about it this way, it’s no wonder we can experience stress and panic at the thought of an exam or in the exam room itself. In evolutionary terms, an exam = a lion or the possibility of social exclusion!

    Fight or flight mode is designed to help us overcome or escape danger as quickly as possible.

    When fight or flight is activated, our brain shuts down the bodily functions it doesn’t need to survive. This includes digestion, language creation, creative and strategic thinking, writing, and deeper breathing.

    Unfortunately, some of these are key to performing well in a language exam!

    that, especially in an exam course context, “extremely high stress levels[…] can affect your cognition, negatively impacting your memory and ability to complete a task. Over time, chronically high stress levels can also impair your ability to form new memories, so high stress levels all semester long could impact your final exam performance later.”

    This means that high stress levels in the exam make it hard to perform at one’s best, and stress in anticipation of the exam can mean that the content is not learned properly in the first place.

    What can teachers do to help?

    Ultimately, we want to make the exam scenario seem safe. When our mind and body do not perceive danger, they will allow the ‘rest and digest’ functions to become active and allow our performance to flow.

    There will of course be some nerves. But the key is to help the student stay in that sweet spot of clear thinking before the stress takes over and turns into panic.

    Here are three ways we can help:

    1. Practice mindful breathing

    Practice some simple mindful breathing with your students. Mindfulness refers to the awareness that we find by focusing consciously on the present moment, objectively, with compassion and without judgment.

    It takes us back into the physical reality of the present moment and out of anxious thought cycles, which can make our stress spiral out of control. Practicing regularly ahead of the exam will help build up neural connections in the brain around the areas that help us relax and .

    The following straightforward routine can be used both regularly at the start of class and by the student in the exam itself if they feel panic rising:

    • STOP: Close your eyes. Take a moment to notice the physical sensation of the chair beneath you and the floor underneath your feet. Notice the sounds around you in the room and allow them simply to flow in and out without needing to follow them.
    • BREATHE: Focus your attention gently on your breath going in and out of your nose at the tip of the nostrils. Count ten breaths in and out, seeing if you can notice something new about each one. If you feel panicky, allow the breath out to continue a little longer than the breath in.
    • WATCH: Become aware of your thoughts and allow them to simply come and go, like clouds across the sky. Notice if you are holding on to something from the past or striving towards something in the future. Allow these to simply release and take your attention back to the breath in the present moment. Count another ten breaths. Then open your eyes and come back into the room.

    2. Familiarize your students with the exam scenario

    Make the exam scenario as familiar as possible in advance. Anything you can do to make the exam conditions appear less threatening ahead of exam day will be of great benefit.

    This may be as simple as making conditions surrounding regular progress assessments as close to the main exam as possible, so it is less strange on the day. If you have control over the exam day itself, make this as low pressure as possible.

    3. Help students develop a growth mindset

    Foster a growth mindset with your students by using the word ‘yet’ with them. Encourage them to replace ‘I can’t do it’ with ‘I can’t do it yet’. This simple word takes them out of comparison mode with where they think they should be in terms of language ability and helps them stay focused on where they are, reducing self-pressure.

    All of the above strategies are designed to take away the threat of a lion in the exam room when the day comes.

    Wishing your students all the very best for their exam preparation and good luck!

  • A teacher holding books in a classroom

    Mindfulness for teachers: managing expectations over the holidays

    By Amy Malloy

    Mindfulness and your routine

    In the run-up to the holidays, it is common to feel like your routine has completely broken down, especially when you’re not giving classes or working at school. The holidays also often bring with them lots of people, family, and excitement. That sometimes means we also experience fluctuating emotions, stress and the feeling that everything should be perfect.

    On top of this, shops and social media are filled with advertising – and there’s definitely more ‘stuff’ to buy. In addition, we can see messages telling us we need to feel ‘merry’ and ‘bright’ wherever we look. Even the popular greeting, ‘Merry Christmas’, can sometimes feel less of a greeting and more of an instruction.

    Sometimes it feels like the people around us expect us to always feel happy and joyful over the holiday season. This is fine if we do feel merry, but we will always have ups and downs. If you don’t feel happy, for whatever reason, it can feel even harder than it might at times where there is less expectation all around us.

    Overcoming the challenge

    Finding a way to introduce mindfulness into the holiday season can be a wonderful way for us to understand our emotions at this time of year. It will help you think about your expectations and let you find a moment to pause to accept whatever the reality actually is.

    Here are some quick and easy ways to find some ‘you’ time and keep checking in with how you’re feeling. These are also tips you can try with children in the classroom and for yourself at home to keep yourself on track.

    3-minute body scan

    Find a quiet moment. This may be in the few minutes after you wake up or go to bed, during break time, or even at the start of a lesson.

    • Notice the contact of your feet with the floor. Notice the sounds around you in the room.
    • Take three deep breaths and notice how they feel.
    • Scan down the body in your mind from the top of your head all the way down to your toes. Observe what you notice about your body with an air of curiosity – look for any tension, discomfort or comfort. Also, notice if there are any expectations you have of that day or moment. See if you can simply notice them and set them aside. This curiosity helps us stay detached from what we notice so we can just observe.
    • Take three more deep breaths, and carry on.

    2-minute notebook

    Writing something down can be a wonderfully mindful exercise. Have a stack of post-its or a little notebook on your desk or bedside table. You could encourage your students to do the same.

    1. Pick a point in your day. It could be at the start of each day, the start of each lesson, or just before bed. Each day, at that time, take a moment to write down three:

    • good things that have happened in your day
    • things that felt challenging
    • things you feel grateful and thankful for.

    2. Review your notes every now and again during the holiday period. This will give you a sense of your shifts of mood and energy that might have occurred.

    Noticing something you feel grateful for has been shown to .

    1-minute cupboard pause

    When things feel over-stimulating, find a quiet space just for a minute. Even if it’s in a cupboard!

    STOP: notice the contact of your feet with the floor.
    BREATHE: take ten deep breaths, breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of six.
    WATCH: watch each breath coming and going from the nose or chest or belly. Observe what your thoughts and feelings are doing. Allow them to sit without needing to respond.

    Then head back into the area you were in.

    I hope these tips help you to navigate the festive season without expectation and with curiosity for what each moment holds along the way.

    Remember that the holiday days you celebrate are really just normal days. It’s simply that expectations have changed, and what’s more, everyone’s expectations will be different.

    Simply taking time to notice this can make a massive difference to the pressure we put on ourselves. Releasing this pressure can even lead to more enjoyment overall – so why don’t you try it and see?

  • A businessman sat cross legged is meditating on a desk, around him are other business people sat at the same desk busy working

    Understanding and managing technostress

    By Amy Malloy

    What is technostress?

    Technostress affects people in different ways. I resonate with Chiapetta’s (2017) definition:

    “Technostress is a syndrome that occurs when the person, subjected to information overload and continuous contact with most digital devices, develops a state of stress.”

    This explanation isn’t limited to any particular symptoms. However, most of us can relate to being over-exposed to technological devices – especially in the past year. Consequently, I imagine many people have experienced some symptoms of technostress as a result.

    What are the symptoms of technostress?

    While the symptoms of technostress differ, there are a number of common experiences. Perhaps you obsessively check social media, or struggle to focus on everyday tasks. Or maybe you feel demotivated and low in mood. You might find yourself overly focused on getting the latest technology. Or you might be actively avoiding or feeling anxious about using technology.

    Why should we be concerned about technostress?

    People are adaptable, it’s part of our biology, but if change happens too quickly, we experience symptoms of stress. And, in our modern, continuously busy culture, it can be easy to assume something is wrong with us if we feel we can’t cope with technology. It can feel like we’re failing because we’re not focusing or achieving enough. We might also feel stupid for not understanding how a piece of software works.

    In response, we need to find ways to relieve that stress and return to a more restful state.

    Tips to prevent and manage technostress

    1. Switch off – This may be hard to do with the demands of life but sometimes, just turning your devices off and stepping away from technology is the best approach. Do something to pull you away from the information overload, like a walk in nature or reading a fictional book. Something that pulls you away from life’s goings-on.
    2. Limit your exposure – If you can’t switch off completely for whatever reason, then maybe rationing your exposure to devices is key. Time and limit your time on devices, taking regular breaks away. If you struggle to pull yourself away, there are apps and device functions that can restrict access for you.
    3. Only use with a purpose – Before you start using technology, ask yourself: “What am I using this for?”. Study? Research? Or is it just out of boredom? If you haven’t got a set aim or goal, then you are likely to mindlessly scroll and get pulled into the vast information overload of social media and the web. Try to avoid this by having a set aim/goal when using technology.