Google is testing a new «Conversation Practice» feature in search to help users improve their conversational English skills. The company told TechCrunch that the feature is available for English learners in Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Venezuela who have joined Search Labs, Google‘s program for early search experiences.
The experiment aims to help enhance a user’s English skills by engaging them in interactive language learning exercises powered by AI to assist in using new words in everyday scenarios. Last October, Google launched a feature designed to help English learners practice speaking sentences in context and receive feedback on grammar and clarity. In contrast, Conversation Practice adds the dimension of a back-and-forth conversational practice.
First spotted by a user, the Conversation Practice feature works by posing a conversational question to the user, prompting them to respond using specific words. The goal is to help English learners engage in English conversations while learning how to correctly use different words.
This new feature release suggests that Google may be laying the groundwork for a true competitor to language learning apps such as Duolingo and Babbel. It’s not the first time Google has ventured into language learning and education tools. In 2019, Google launched a feature allowing search users to practice pronouncing words correctly.
Vía TechCrunch
