Every now and then, Google tests some interesting applications of its AI models via the Google Labs platform. The company’s latest experiments target Duolingo and aim to make language learning more fun and easy.

The three new tools, collectively called Little Language Lessons, are powered by Google Gemini and can be accessed via the Google Labs page on any browser. 

With Tiny Lesson, you can select a language and add a scenario to get words, phrases, and tips. In our test, we asked for Hindi words and phrases commonly used during grocery shopping. The results were accurate, and the tips section covered some essential grammar points.

(Credit: Google)

With Slang Hang, you can select a target language and, at times, a dialect. If you don’t select a dialect for supported languages, the tool will pick one randomly. The next page will automatically generate a conversation between two acquaintances. You’ll have to hit the space bar to generate sentences one after the other; you can also click the speaker button to hear the sentence out loud. Unfortunately, you can’t set a custom scenario, but you can always hit the refresh button to pull up a new automated one. 

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Finally, the Word Cam tool lets you launch a camera, click a photo, and find words for objects in the picture. Google will label each object with the translated word; clicking on the label can help you learn more words and phrases associated with it. 

(Credit: Google)

The Little Language Lessons “is just an early exploration,” Google says. Like any other Labs experiment, these are “built with Google AI to inspire new use cases and UX paradigms for AI.” They might only be available for a limited time, shut down occasionally, and generate bizarre, offensive, or inaccurate content, Google warns. 

Google might have just given us a preview of how AI can transform language learning, as other companies also lean into it. The three-part experiment arrives after Duolingo announced its transition to an “AI-First” company. In a memo shared with employees and on LinkedIn, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn said the company will gradually eliminate all contract workers whose work can be replicated using AI.