Working with Artificial Intelligence Series: Learning a New Language with Large Language Models

In the current era of remarkable technological advancement, a standout development has been the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (generative AI). This specific subset of AI generates new content to answer almost any request. All it needs from its user is a few words of text. 

Each instalment in the Working with Artificial Intelligence Series delves into a specific use case, illustrating how generative AI can be effectively used in various scenarios. We investigate the most suitable tools for each task, reveal the most effective prompts, and share insider tricks to speed up the journey from input to ideal output. 

Remember that when using AI tools, especially generative ones like ChatGPT, it is vital to adhere to best practices. We recommend reviewing and following the Government of Canada’s Guide on the use of Generative AI to ensure responsible and ethical use of these technologies. 

This article examines how generative AI and large language models (LLM) can assist in learning new languages, and will cover the following topics:

• Foundational learning: Building your second language foundations
• Interactive practice: Engaging with the language
• Advanced application: Personalizing your learning journey

Benefits of generative AI in language learning

Learning a new language is a valuable skill for any government employee, though it can be a demanding task. However, generative AI-based tools provide innovative and personalized approaches to learning. These always-ready tools can be adapted to the learner's proficiency level, provide instant feedback, and enable the exploration of various linguistic and cultural aspects of any language. It is like having a private instructor to aid at all stages of your learning journey.

Drawbacks of generative AI in language learning

Languages are more than just grammar and syntax—they vary based on culture, place, level of formality, and more, and they change over time. LLMs like ChatGPT do not always select the appropriate option for your situation, and they have a limited capacity to explain the nuances you need to know. For example, ChatGPT may not provide the appropriate regional language variant, such as Canadian French, and it likely won’t warn you about situations where using the wrong regional variant can cause confusion.

You should always verify the information provided by generative AI tools, as it may not always be up to date or entirely accurate. Be aware that you are interacting with an AI and not a human. This awareness is crucial for setting realistic expectations regarding the nature and limitations of the responses. Though ChatGPT may sound confident and produce answers that appear correct and complete, its responses are not verified by a human and are subject to error. Problems include bias, hallucination (inventing facts), incomplete information, and misleading information. It even makes spelling mistakes.

There are a few ways you can check the accuracy of ChatGPT’s responses. If you’re taking a language class or have taken one, refer to your course materials. If not, reference books and language learning websites can help. If you have a fluent friend or colleague who is willing, you can discuss what you’re learning with them. To check words and expressions, look them up in a dictionary, or search for them on Canada.ca to get examples of how they are used, with the option to change the language of the page they’re on. Finally, you can always search for more information on the internet; you will find many websites with information on various language learning topics.

Disclaimers

Even with the same prompt, ChatGPT provides a different response every time it is queried. This means that you may get slightly different responses than those shown in this article.

In this article, we have shortened the responses provided by ChatGPT.

While this article will reference OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the techniques and approaches discussed are applicable across a spectrum of LLM-based generative AI tools.

Foundational learning: Building your second language foundations

 Learning a new language starts with a solid foundation in the language's core aspects. This foundational learning phase focuses on acquiring essential vocabulary, understanding the intricacies of grammar and usage, and familiarizing yourself with common expressions. Below are a few examples of how generative AI can help build a strong foundation in either English or French.

Expanding your vocabulary

In this example, we'll use French as the language to learn. The goal is to keep things simple and introduce you to Canadian French terms related to the federal government and the public service.

Prompt

Provide a list of important Canadian French words related to government operations and the Canadian federal public service, including their English translations. Include an example sentence for each word to illustrate its use in a formal government context.

ChatGPT response

Sure, here are some French vocabulary terms related to government operations and public service, along with their English translations and example sentences:

Gouvernement (Government)

Example Sentence:Le gouvernement annonce de nouvelles mesures pour stimuler l'économie. (The government announces new measures to stimulate the economy.)

Fonction publique (Public service)

Example Sentence:La fonction publique joue un rôle crucial dans l'administration des programmes fédéraux." The public service plays a crucial role in the administration of federal programs.)

Fonctionnaire (Public servant)

Example Sentence:Les fonctionnaires doivent adhérer aux règles strictes de confidentialité." (Public servants must adhere to strict confidentiality rules.)

Ministère (Ministry/Department)

Example Sentence:Le ministère des Finances a publié son rapport annuel." (The Ministry of Finance has released its annual report.)

The response above provided a brief list of French terms related to government operations and public service. By asking for translations and example sentences, you can see how these terms are applied in real contexts, which helps in both understanding and remembering the terms. The prompt could be adjusted to specify the desired number of words or words relevant to specific sectors.

In this example, ChatGPT provided a few very common terms you will need to know to be able to speak French in the public service. However, it provided two options for the equivalent of “ministère:” “ministry” or “department.” Even though we told it that we wanted words related to the Canadian federal public service, it failed to recognize that “ministry” is not used in the federal government, only “department.”

Unravelling grammar and syntax

Learning a new language involves navigating its unique rules and structures, which can be quite challenging. French and English, despite sharing a lot of similarities due to their common roots, still have significant differences that can be tricky for learners.

Prompt

I'm drafting a formal email to a French-speaking colleague. Can you explain the formal use of pronouns and verbs in French, especially in the context of government correspondence?

The purpose of this prompt is to gain insights on how to use formal French language, especially pronouns and verbs, as they are some of the fundamental building blocks of a sentence, and using them correctly is essential to efficient communications.

ChatGPT response

Certainly, in formal French correspondence, especially in a government or professional context, the use of pronouns and verbs is crucial to maintain respect and politeness. Here's a concise guide:

1. Use of Pronouns:
   • "Vous" vs. "Tu": Always use "vous" for formal correspondence. "Vous" is the formal pronoun for "you" and is used to show respect, politeness, or to address a group. Avoid using "tu," which is informal and used for close acquaintances, friends, or family. Government communication requires a level of professionalism and formality in language selection; therefore, refrain from using slang or excessively casual expressions.
2. Use of Verbs:
   • Verb Conjugation: Make sure to conjugate verbs appropriately for "vous." For example, "Vous avez" (You have), "Vous êtes" (You are), "Vous pouvez" (You can). This shows professionalism and respect.
   • Imperative Form: When making a request or giving instructions, use the formal imperative form which also uses "vous." For example, "Veuillez" (Please [do something]), as in "Veuillez trouver ci-joint" (Please find attached).
• Use of Conditional Mood: It's polite to use the conditional mood to soften requests or statements. For example, "Je voudrais" (I would like), "Pourriez-vous" (Could you), which are less direct and therefore more courteous.

By following to these guidelines, you'll ensure that your communication maintains a level of formality and respect expected in French-speaking professional and government contexts.

ChatGPT can explain the usage of specific verbs and pronouns in any sentence, clarifying their purpose and selection. In this case, we asked about the use of “tu” and “vous,” and ChatGPT’s response was fairly accurate. This is a common subject for learners of French, so ChatGPT has lots of material to base its response on, leading to a better quality response.

However, the use of “tu” and “vous” is nuanced and highly dependent on context. To learn more about when “tu” and “vous” are used in your workplace, listen to your French-speaking colleagues or ask for their advice.

Mastering inclusive phrases

In French, as in English, it is important to use inclusive language in government workplaces. However, this can be challenging because of the language's gendered structure. ChatGPT can help us with some typical French expressions that use inclusive language.

Prompt

Can you provide some examples of inclusive language and expressions commonly used in French-speaking governmental workplaces? Please explain how these promote inclusivity and provide the English equivalent for each.

ChatGPT response

Inclusive language in French-speaking governmental workplaces aims to ensure that all individuals feel represented and respected, regardless of their gender, background, or identity. Here are three examples of inclusive language and expressions commonly used, along with explanations on how they promote inclusivity:

1. Usage of the Median Point (Point Médian) for Gender-Inclusive Writing
   • French Example: "Les citoyen·ne·s" (The citizens)
   • Explanation: The median point (·) is used to include both masculine and feminine endings in written French, promoting gender inclusivity by acknowledging both genders in professions, statuses, or roles. This practice makes the language more inclusive by visually representing both genders within words.
   • English Equivalent: "Citizens" (Note: English doesn't typically differentiate gender in such nouns, making this specific form of inclusivity unique to gendered languages like French.)
2. Neutral Terms for Roles and Positions
   • French Example: "La personne responsable" (The responsible person) instead of "Le responsable" or "La responsable."
   • Explanation: Using neutral terms that focus on the role rather than the gender of the individual serves to include people of all genders, including those who do not identify within the binary gender framework. It emphasizes the function or qualification over the gender of the person.
• English Equivalent: "The person in charge" or "The responsible person."

These examples show how modifications in language use within French-speaking governmental workplaces can contribute to a more inclusive environment. By acknowledging gender diversity using the median point, inclusive job titles, and neutral terms for roles and positions, these practices help create a more welcoming and respectful atmosphere for all individuals.

ChatGPT's response emphasizes how, through the strategic use of the middle dot (which it calls the median point) and neutral terms, the French language can be made to accommodate and respect gender diversity, highlighting the importance of language in creating inclusive spaces. However, this response is also misleading. By presenting just these two options, it creates the expectation that these are the best or most common inclusive writing solutions, which is not the case.

For more information on inclusive writing, visit Écriture inclusive – Lignes directrices et ressources (in French only) and Gender-inclusive writing – Guidelines for writing in French, which provide a variety of options and discuss appropriate use.

Understanding pronunciation

Understanding how to get the correct pronunciation can be tricky, but with guidance and practice, you can improve. In the following example, we’ll demonstrate how LLMs can help you improve your pronunciation. As you read through this example, note that you can use the sound function on ChatGPT to hear how words are pronounced.

Prompt

Can you help me understand the nuances of French vs. English pronunciation and offer some guidance on pronouncing difficult sounds and rhythm in French vs. English speech? Please provide examples with detailed explanations.

ChatGPT response

Pronunciation of difficult sounds:

• French
  • Nasal Vowels: French has several nasal vowels, represented by combinations of vowels with the letter ‘n’ or ‘m’. Examples include “on”, “en”, and “an”. These vowels are pronounced with air passing through the nose. Practice differentiating these sounds from their non-nasal counterparts.
  • Master the French ‘R’: The French ‘r’ sound is quite different from English. It’s pronounced at the back of the throat, with a slight vibration. Practice by gargling water and trying to produce the same sound. It’s a challenging sound for many learners, so be patient with yourself.
  • Learn the different vowel sounds: French has a variety of vowel sounds, some of which don’t exist in English. For example, the ‘u’ sound in French is made by rounding your lips and does not have any equivalent sound in English. One of the best ways to improve your pronunciation is to listen to native speakers and try to imitate them. Practice regularly, and expose yourself to natural speech patterns by watching movies or TV shows, or listening to French music.
• English
  • Th Sounds: English has two th sounds: the voiceless “th” as in “think” and the voiced “th” as in “this.” These sounds can be difficult for non-native speakers. For the voicless “th,” the tongue is placed between the teeth, while for the voiced “th,” the vocal cords vibrate.

Rhythm:

• French
  • Syllable-Timed Rhythm: French has a syllable-timed rhythm, meaning each syllable is given roughly equal time and emphasis, resulting in a more evenly paced speech.
  • Elision and Liaison: In French, words often flow together, especially in spoken language. Liaisons occur when the final consonant of one word is pronounced because the next word start with a vowel. Elisions happens when a vowel at the end of a word is dropped because the next word begins with a vowel. For example, “vous avez” is pronounced “vous-z-avez”.
• English
  • Stress-Timed Rhythm: English has a stress-timed rhythm, meaning stressed syllables occur at regular intervals, resulting in a more rhythmic speech pattern. Unstressed syllables may be shortened or even omitted
  • Contractions: English frequently uses contractions in informal speech to merge words together and maintain the rhythm of speech. For example, "I am" becomes "I'm."
  • Pay attention to native speakers and try to mimic their rhythm and intonation.

Example Words for Practice:

• French
  • Practice words with nasal vowels: "pain" (bread), "bon" (good), "enfant" (child).
  • Work on the pronunciation of the letter "r" in words like "rouge" (red) or "restaurant."
• English
  • Practice words with th sounds: "think," "this," "bath."
  • Focus on the schwa sound in unstressed syllables: "banana," "potato," "umbrella."



Remember, learning a new language takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see progress right away. Keep practicing, and you’ll gradually improve your pronunciation skills. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)

This is a long response, and there’s a lot to say about it—starting with the fact that this may be more information than you need. For example, the difference between syllable-timed rhythm and stress-timed rhythm is an advanced concept that many people don’t need to focus on.

Second, there are some misleading examples in this passage, such as in the section on th sounds, where ChatGPT says, “For the voicless ‘th,’ the tongue is placed between the teeth, while for the voiced ‘th,’ the vocal cords vibrate.” While this is technically true, the way the sentence is constructed makes it misleading, because it opposes two things that aren’t opposites. The tongue is placed between the teeth for the voiceless th, but also for the voiced th. The vocal cords vibrate for the voiced th, but the corresponding phenomenon for the voiceless th is that the vocal cords don’t vibrate.

The section on liaison and elision is also misleading. First, it leaves out discussion of the silent versus aspirated h, a crucial part of learning about elision. Second, the placement of the example in the paragraph makes it seem like it’s an example of an elision, but it’s actually an example of a liaison.

These are just a couple of issues you may run into if you follow ChatGPT’s advice. However, ChatGPT also provides some great advice: to improve your understanding of French pronunciation, listen to native speakers and French movies, TV shows, and music. This will also help you verify the information provided in the example.

Interactive practice: Engaging with the language

Mastering a language requires active practice and immersion. When learners engage in conversations, listen to native speakers, or enjoy movies, music, and books in the language, they improve their vocabulary and grammar, and also gain a feel for its rhythm and nuances. This hands-on approach turns learned lessons into practical skills, making learning more effective.

LLMs are valuable resources for language learners. While they may not offer the personalized guidance of a human tutor, they provide a wide range of interactive learning opportunities to support your language journey through conversation practice, grammar explanations, example usage, and vocabulary suggestions. For example, ChatGPT facilitates skill development in a flexible and engaging manner. Additionally, it offers cultural insights and context to enhance your understanding of the language. With features like reading comprehension exercises, tailored language challenges, and simulated conversations, it promotes proficiency across all language skills.

Translating ideas: French to English

 Translation can help you learn a new language because it helps you connect your native language with the language you’re trying to learn.

Prompt

“Nous devons augmenter l'engagement communautaire cette année.” Translate the sentence above, break it down into components, and provide an English equivalent for each component.

ChatGPT response

The sentence "Nous devons augmenter l'engagement communautaire cette année." translates to "We must increase community engagement this year." in English. Here's a breakdown of each component to its English equivalent:

• Nous = We
• devons = must (from the verb "devoir" which means "to have to" or "must")
• augmenter = increase
• l'engagement = the engagement
• communautaire = community
• cette année = this year

By analyzing translated words, phrases, and sentences, you can develop a deeper understanding of the target language's grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. However, this approach should be used in moderation, as it can encourage you to continue thinking in your first language, rather than learning how to think and form natural-sounding phrases in the language you are learning.

Conversing with ChatGPT: Your practice partner

One of the key ways to improve fluency, boost confidence, and learn how to use vocabulary and grammar in real situations is to practise language through converstion. ChatGPT is an anytime conversational partner, giving you the chance to practise any language on any topic, at any skill level. The tool can also provide instant feedback, and the freedom to choose different subjects, making language learning more interactive, engaging, and suited to your individual pace and interests. However, keep in mind that it makes errors, including using anglicisms in French, meaning it is more like talking to another language learner than talking to a qualified language teacher.

Prompt

Let's practise a beginner-level formal French conversation. We are both government officials in a meeting. Please provide some constructive feedback after each reply. I'll start: "Quelles sont les priorités de notre programme pour le prochain trimestre?".

 Our prompt defines the scope of the conversation and the level of skill. It also instructs ChatGPT to give some feedback after each interaction.

ChatGPT response

'Bonjour, merci pour votre question. Pour le prochain trimestre, nos priorités seront la santé publique, l'éducation et le développement durable. Nous devrons également porter une attention particulière à la mise en œuvre de la nouvelle législation sur le travail. Quels sont vos points de vue à ce sujet?'

Feedback:Your opening question is well-formulated, clear, and directly relevant to the context of a government meeting. It immediately sets the tone for a strategic discussion. It’s good practice to respond by acknowledging the question before diving into specifics, as I did. Also, inviting feedback or opinions at the end of your reply encourages an open and constructive conversation.

Although this response appears to be what we asked for, it has several errors, including a few different types of anglicisms. First, “merci pour” is not correct; it should be “merci de.” This is a type of error that English speakers commonly make in French, so it can be difficult to spot. Check a collocation dictionary such as the Rouleau des prépositions to make sure you are using the correct preposition. Second, “législation" cannot mean a single law or act the way “legislation” can in English. It should be “loi” instead. Finally, “Quels sont vos points de vue à ce sujet?” reads like a word-for-word translation of an English sentence, and is unnatural sounding and difficult to understand in French. This sentence should be entirely rewritten.

Another thing to note is the use of “vous.” We didn’t specify whether the colleagues in this scenario use “tu” or “vous” with each other, so ChatGPT made an assumption. However, in Canadian workplaces, “tu” is more common. Ask your French-speaking colleagues what the convention is in your workplace if you don’t already know, and consider including this information in your prompts. Similarly, ChatGPT may assume that the speaker is a man and use masculine adjectives. You will get better results if you specify the speakers’ genders, though there can still be errors.

Prompt

Je pense que la sante est tres important pour tout les Canadiens.

This prompt, while appearing correct, does contain several grammatical errors. This was by design to see if our conversational friend would catch these.

ChatGPT response

'Je suis tout à fait d'accord avec vous. La santé est une priorité absolue, surtout dans le contexte actuel. Nous devons nous assurer que notre système de santé est robuste et capable de répondre aux besoins de tous les Canadiens. Avez-vous des suggestions spécifiques sur la manière dont nous pourrions améliorer notre approche de la santé publique?'

Feedback:Your response highlights the importance of health, which is a key point in government discussions. However, there are a few minor grammatical errors to note for improvement:

• "la sante" should be "la santé" (remember the accent on the 'e').
• "tres" should be "très" (with an accent).
• "pour tout les Canadiens" should be "pour tous les Canadiens" (use "tous" for "all" when referring to people, and ensure agreement in gender and number).

Using "Je pense que" (I think that) is a good way to express your opinion politely in a formal setting. To enhance your statement, consider specifying aspects of health care you find important or suggesting areas for improvement. This could make the conversation more engaging and productive.

Like the previous response, the French in this response is awkward and difficult to follow due to the frequent use of anglicisms, such as “spécifiques” instead of “précises.” However, ChatGPT was able to correct the deliberate errors we made to test it in our prompt.

This exercise immerses you in realistic scenarios, enhancing your ability to use appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures. The feedback mechanism is useful in this learning process, as it provides immediate, constructive criticism that helps you identify and correct your mistakes. This not only aids in refining your language skills but also builds confidence in your ability to engage in complex conversations. By focusing on both the accuracy of your language and the appropriateness of your responses, you can achieve a more comprehensive and practical understanding of the language you are learning.

Still, it’s important to be cautious and avoid over-reliance on ChatGPT for conversation practice. As we saw, it frequently uses anglicisms in French, not only in its word choice but also in its sentence structure. Make sure to balance your use of ChatGPT with conversation with fluent speakers. You can also get a better sense of what idiomatic French sounds like, without an English influence, by consuming French-language media, such as TV, movies, podcasts, books, and magazines.

Advanced application: Personalizing your learning journey

Personalized learning is a way to meet individual needs and objectives based on skill level and preferences. By collaborating with ChatGPT, you can create a customized educational route that pushes you to use your knowledge in different situations, enhancing language proficiency.

Crafting custom exercises

ChatGPT can be leveraged to create practice exams for your second language evaluation (SLE) by prompting it to provide similar questions to the publicly available sample questions.

Prompt

For practice, can you create a set of French exercises focused on formal and bureaucratic language used in government documents? Include fill-in-the-blank sentences with key verbs and nouns relevant to government work. Evaluate my answers for accuracy.

This exercise is designed to enhance French proficiency. By providing fill-in-the-blank sentences that require the insertion of appropriate verbs and nouns relevant to government work, this exercise aims to improve understanding and usage of specialized vocabulary and phrases that are typical in bureaucratic contexts.

ChatGPT response

Exercise Set

1. Le gouvernement a décidé d’__________ les taxes pour financer de nouveaux projets d'infrastructure.
   • (A) augmenter
   • (B) écrire
   • (C) evacuer
2. Les discussions __________ le gouvernement et les syndicats sont en cours.
   • (A) entre
   • (B) avec
   • (C) par
3. Le gouvernement a annoncé une __________ pour améliorer les services publics.
   • (A) augmentation
   • (B) réduction
   • (C) réforme

Please fill in each blank with the correct option (A, B, or C) according to what you think fits best in the context of formal and bureaucratic language. Once you've answered, I'll review your responses for accuracy.

It’s interesting to note the spelling mistake in the first exercise (evacuer instead of évacuer). Remember to check anything you’re not certain of, including spelling. In addition, although we asked for verbs and nouns, the second exercise focuses on prepositions. This shows that you cannot assume that ChatGPT has provided what you asked for.

Conclusion

Learning a new language will always be difficult. For government employees preparing for SLE exams, or just enhancing their skills, ChatGPT and generative AI offer a dynamic and effective way to enhance language skills. Unlike traditional learning tools that are mostly inflexible in design, generative AI and LLMs encourage experimentation and creativity. They can be used to supplement traditional language learning methods like taking a course and consuming media in the language you are learning.

This article discusses various prompts that can help in learning a new language. However, the effectiveness of these prompts varies depending on the individual's specific learning needs. In addition, the information provided by ChatGPT can be misleading or incorrect, and it must always be verified. Course materials, reference books, language learning websites, and fluent speakers can all help to verify and supplement information.

Resources

Enjoying this article series? Read this article next: Working with Artificial Intelligence Series: The Trust Factor in Generative AI

• Article | OpenAI's ChatGPT Explained
• Article | Using Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) in the Federal Public Service
• Article | Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
• Article | Working with Artificial Intelligence Series: Memos in Minutes
• Article | Working with Artificial Intelligence Series: Writing Inclusive Prompts
• Article | Working with Artificial Intelligence Series: Co-Coding with AI
• Course | Discover Artificial Intelligence (DDN210)
• Course | Introduction to Agile in the Public Service (DDN208)
• Course | Getting Started with Machine Learning (DDN220)