Busuu Launches AI-Powered 'Speaking Practice' Feature for Enhanced Language Learning

Busuu Launches AI-Powered 'Speaking Practice' Feature for Enhanced Language Learning
Image credit: Busuu blog

Busuu, a Chegg-owned language learning platform, has introduced 'speaking practice,' an AI-driven feature designed to help users improve their language skills. The tool provides a safe, judgment-free space for learners to practice speaking a new language, offering personalized pronunciation feedback and videos with native speakers to enhance listening and speaking abilities.

The 'speaking practice' feature addresses the needs of language learners by creating an experience that includes the sounds, accents, and mouth movements of native speakers. It uses AI speech recognition to process learners' speech, grade their sentences, highlight areas needing improvement, and provide instant and personalized feedback.

A survey by Busuu and EY-Parthenon found that 55% of language learners focus on improving their conversational skills, and 66% prefer 'listen & repeat' exercises. The 'speaking practice' feature is available for English, Spanish, French, and German learners across all of Busuu's 16 interface languages, with English and Spanish learners receiving the full version of AI-powered feedback, including actionable insights to improve their speaking skills.

Image credit: Busuu Blog

Busuu’s courses, designed by experts, cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The 'speaking practice' feature is integrated into these courses, allowing learners to start with grammar, words, and phrases before moving on to speaking exercises.

Learners can access 'speaking practice' by downloading the Busuu app on Apple's App Store. The feature will be available on Android later this year, with a web version expected in the future. Gino Micacchi, Vice President of Product at Busuu, commented, "'Speaking practice' is the perfect stepping stone to help language learners feel confident in using another language in real life. The combination of immersive videos using native speakers alongside personalized real-time AI-powered feedback provides learners with a life-like language learning experience."