In a world increasingly influenced by technology, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on human language has become a topic of considerable discussion. According to an article published on May 4, 2025, AI not only affects various aspects of life but also plays a significant role in shaping language skills. The technology, which aims to mimic human thought processes, was first introduced by Professor John McCarthy in 1953. Interestingly, the term 'AI' was the most popular word in Indonesia in 2023, as per Google searches, signaling its growing relevance in everyday conversations.
The capabilities of AI are vast, employing techniques such as machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning to recognize patterns, predict outcomes, and make decisions based on available data. This has led to an increased reliance on AI for tasks like writing, where students often turn to AI tools for assistance. While this can enhance efficiency, it also raises concerns about the diminishing learning process among students.
One educator expressed mixed feelings about this trend. "I was surprised to see how AI-generated articles came out nearly perfect in terms of language structure," they noted. However, this ease of use comes at a cost. The reliance on AI for academic work could potentially weaken students' ability to think critically and develop their language skills. As the educator pointed out, while students are adept at leveraging technology, the essence of learning—understanding and mastering language through practice—may be lost.
The concern extends to the educational system as well. If students consistently depend on AI for assignments, where does that leave their ability to think independently? The results of a study by I Made Darma Sucipta and colleagues, published in 2024, suggest that AI poses a threat to Indonesian language teachers, indicating that the profession could face obsolescence in the future. As the study highlights, the unique human ability to understand and use language remains superior to AI capabilities.
Furthermore, students are cautioned against over-reliance on AI for their academic tasks. The fundamental skills of language acquisition—crafting ideas, constructing sentences, and articulating thoughts—are vital for personal and academic growth. If students become too dependent on AI, they risk becoming less proficient in these essential skills, leading to a generation that struggles with independent thought and expression.
AI is often described as a double-edged sword; it can facilitate tasks while simultaneously posing risks to creativity and critical thinking. The convenience of AI-generated content can undermine the learning journey, as it skips the necessary steps of crafting a coherent narrative or argument. This raises questions about the role of educators and the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in language education.
In a related development, Google's AI research assistant, NotebookLM, has expanded its language support for its Audio Overview feature to over 50 languages, including Indonesian, as announced on May 4, 2025. Previously, this feature was only available in English, but it now encompasses 77 languages, including Afrikaans, Hindi, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Javanese.
This enhancement allows users to generate audio summaries of documents in their chosen language, making information more accessible. Users can easily navigate this feature by selecting the 'Output language' option in the settings menu. Notably, NotebookLM enables users to upload documents in multiple languages and receive summaries in their preferred language, effectively breaking down language barriers.
Launched in 2023, NotebookLM is powered by Google’s Gemini LLM and is specifically designed to help users comprehend large volumes of text. It is accessible via notebooklm.google.com and is set to be available as an app on both Android and iOS soon. This move reflects a broader trend in the tech industry to cater to diverse language needs, aligning with the growing demand for multilingual capabilities.
While the advancements in AI tools like NotebookLM can enhance research capabilities, the concerns surrounding the impact of AI on language learning remain. Educators and students alike must navigate the balance between utilizing these tools and preserving the integrity of the learning process.
In conclusion, as AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of life, its influence on language education cannot be overlooked. The challenge lies in harnessing the benefits of AI while ensuring that the fundamental skills of language acquisition and critical thinking are not sacrificed in the process. The future of language education may depend on finding this balance, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for enhancement rather than a crutch that hinders intellectual growth.
