Tech Desk 
Apr 30, 2025
Gemini logo is seen in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. — Reuters
Amid an ever-aggravating battle of outshining rivals in artificial intelligence (AI), Google has stepped into the world of language learning with a new array of AI tools, enabling users to learn a new language in a more personalised and practical manner.
These experimental features, running on Google's Gemini large language model, are dubbed a potential threat to platforms like Duolingo.
Among Google's new language learning tools is “Tiny Lessons,” which helps users learn context-specific phrases. For example, if you’re in a situation where you might lose your passport, the AI tool will provide you with grammar and vocabulary tailored to that specific scenario.
In Tiny Lessons, users are also given ready-made replies such as “I don’t know where I lost it” or “I want to report it to the police.”
“Slang Hang” is another tool which Google has purportedly designed to take learners beyond the textbook stage, and equip them with local slangs and casual expressions to quickly grasp a language, Reuters reported.
The second tool also generates realistic dialogues between native speakers, such as a conversation between friends or a roadside chat at a food stall. Hovering over unfamiliar terms will bring up explanations for users.
It must be noted that these are experimental tools.
The third AI tool combines AI with augmented reality by letting users scan their surroundings using their phone camera to identify and learn the names of objects in real time.
