AI for Languages and Culture in Online Education
Translation tools and game-based platforms like Duolingo can help reduce language barriers. Still, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to language-related AI tools, which have many nuances, like localization and cultures.
These AI tools can help build a sense of inclusion and belonging in online education by improving communication, increasing trust, and offering learners different ways to express themselves.
Did you know? Non-native accents are viewed as less trustworthy by native speakers.
Unfortunately, the unique differences in our speech, like accents and pronunciation, and our writing, such as word choice and spelling, can lead to biases. These biases, whether intentional or not, become associated with perceived intelligence, education, and abilities. And when non-native English speakers fall behind or score poorly on tests, educators may assume they have learning disabilities, which is inherently problematic because the real issue—a language barrier—isn’t addressed.
Sign Language Interpretation AI
Sign language interpretation AI facilitates real-time translation of spoken language and text into sign language, and vice versa. This technology makes content accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing learners.
Recent advancements in sign language interpretation AI have led to the creation of realistic videos. The AI splices together videos and images of real people signing, moving away from cartoon-like avatars. This helps enhance clarity and comprehension, offering learners a more authentic and engaging experience.
Name Pronunciation AI
If your name is unique (and sometimes, even when it isn’t) you’ve probably heard it mispronounced. Unfortunately, many people have come to accept their name being mispronounced and they answer to various mispronunciations. But they shouldn’t have to, especially when there’s name pronunciation AI that can help.
Here’s how it works:
1. Integrates within your platforms
AI name pronunciation tools integrate within the LMS, SIS, and most other platforms and common browsers.
2. Learners record their names
Learners can voice-record their names or use audio databases for pronunciation. This allows instructors and peers to hear and see phonetic spellings of names.
3. Recordings are available across platforms
Audio recordings of name pronunciations are available in many different areas across your platforms in areas like learner profiles and course rosters.
Examples of when name pronunciation AI can be used:
• Online class discussions
• Virtual welcome experiences
• Online program information sessions
• Tutoring sessions
• Student support
Accent Recognition AI
“Sorry, I didn’t understand that.”
You’ve probably heard this or something similar from voice assistants, even if you’re a native English speaker.
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AI voice assistants are pretty accurate overall, though (between 85-95% accurate), depending on which one you’re using.
95% accuracy is impressive, right?
Sure, but that still means every 20th word is wrong, which is the exact length of the sentence you’re reading.
But the accuracy of these tools decreases if you have an accent, even if you’re a native English speaker with a regional accent.
A study found that Americans with Southern and Western accents were more accurately understood by voice assistants compared to people with Eastern and Midwest accents.
But what about people in America with non-native accents?
The study showed a 30% higher rate of inaccuracies for individuals with non-native accents, especially those with Spanish and Chinese accents. This is particularly because Spanish and Chinese are the most common non-English languages in the U.S., per the Census Bureau data.
Imagine how frustrating this experience is for individuals for whom English is not their first language, and voice-related AI tools misunderstood a third of what was said. Now, imagine if English wasn’t the person’s first language and they rely on voice-related AI because they have a disability that impacts their ability to type.
Did you know?
22% (69.2 million people) of the U.S. population speak languages other than English. (U.S. Census Bureau)
The good news is that accent recognition AI tools are available, specifically designed to recognize and better understand accents.
If these AI tools are integrated with users’ devices, it could improve the operability of voice-controlled technologies and generate more accurate live captioning and transcriptions. These tools analyze and interpret speech patterns, intonations, and pronunciations specific to different accents.
Localization AI
Even when people speak the same language, where they’re from can affect how well they are understood by others and by AI.
For instance, there are over 160 English dialects around the world, including American English, British English, and South African English, among others.
Typically, English speakers can understand one another despite their dialects, yet there are noticeable differences in pronunciation, grammar, and spelling.
Here’s how dialect can change the meaning of English words:
So, if a U.S.-based company sells “chips” in the U.K., their sales may struggle because people are confused and disappointed they didn’t get what they expected.
Similarly, learning content can be confusing if it isn’t localized. However, localization AI can automatically localize (or localising for the Brits) content for specific dialects and provide important context based on cultures and preferences.
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Sources:
Why don’t we believe non-native speakers? The influence of accent on credibility by Shiri Lev-Ari & Boaz Keysar, April 2010
Speaking up: accents and social mobility by Erez Levon, Devyani Sharma, Christian Ilbury. (2022, November).
Bias against languages other than English hurts students by Dr. Alba Ortiz. (2009)