Can artificial intelligence make the process of learning Spanish disappear? In addition to answering this question, we will discuss the positive and negative aspects of artificial intelligence within the complex process of learning Spanish.

1. Can artificial intelligence make the process of learning Spanish disappear?
Yes. This is the quickest and most direct answer that comes to mind, especially when we consider the technological developments of recent years with examples such as: Microsoft Translator, Talking translator, DeepL o Chat GPT.
Just as with other processes like text creation, the production of musical or audiovisual content, and data analysis, the process of learning Spanish can be affected by the development of artificial intelligence systems, to the extent that it could even disappear.
Considering that there are already real-time, simultaneous translation systems available between multiple languages and speakers—such as – SayHi translate, iTranslate o Travel Phrasebook - the notion that the traditional need to learn a language could disappear is not unrealistic. We simply need to wait a few years to see whether this prediction comes true or not.
No. This is the other answer to the question of the disappearance of the process of learning Spanish. On the one hand, it is true that these systems will allow greater access for people who otherwise would not have the opportunity. On the other hand, however, I believe many people will still be eager to learn the language fully, with all its nuances, and not rely on machine translations.

2. Positive Aspects of Artificial Intelligence for Learning Spanish.
2.1. Speed. The ability to communicate with people from other nationalities without having to spend years practising the language is brilliant. This is even more significant in a world where society lacks the time to engage in many of the activities we would like to do. Therefore, using artificial intelligence to learn Spanish seems to be a good option.
2.2. Cultural interaction. Being able to have a conversation with people from other countries, whose native languages we do not know, and without any effort, sounds like a dream come true. It offers the possibility of interacting with others, which would be almost impossible without these systems..
2.3. Cost- Effective. With the simple download of a mobile App, we can enjoy the benefits of these simultaneous translators. Expensive language classes, trips abroad to practise, and the purchase of materials such as books, audio resources, or films are no longer necessary. It all seems to be advantageous.
3. 2. Negative Aspects of Artificial Intelligence for Learning Spanish.
3.1. Detriment of cognitive development. The substitution of the process of learning a second language with the use of artificial intelligence represents a serious blow to all the positive effects that this practice has on the human brain. If the process of learning Spanish is replaced by artificial intelligence, our brain will be deprived of the opportunity to create new neural connections, with the devastating consequences this could entail, primarily increasing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s: Philip Tubby (2017) Speaking a second language shows benefits in Alzheimer’s y Anderson JAE, Hawrylewicz K, Grundy JG. (2020) Does bilingualism protect against dementia? A meta-analysis. Psychon Bull Rev.

3.2. Limitation of the Social Aspect. Using an application or a robot to communicate in another language eliminates social elements such as interaction, conversation, debate, and questioning, which are essential when learning a language in the traditional way. These restrictions on the need to use social skills for communication can have potential negative consequences, such as a lack of confidence, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
3.3. Artificiality and superficiality: Communicating through a machine, despite the advantages mentioned earlier, has a cold, impersonal, and inhuman tone that is nothing like the connection established when trying to communicate with someone in their native language. The use of gestures, facial expressions, sounds, and body language will be replaced by simultaneous translation. While the transmitted message may be more accurate, could a less sophisticated and precise message not carry greater communicative value?
This new situation presents a challenge not only for professionals in Spanish language teaching, like myself, but also for society as a whole. As with any change, I truly believe it is time to make the most of the advantages these new technologies offer. Thus, instead of rejecting them outright, we should consider how they can serve as an initial hook so that, in the near future, many more people continue learning Spanish.
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