A round table “Digital technologies in the study of foreign languages” was
held by the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics of Baikal State
University. The reports of first-year students of the Institute of Global
Economy and International Relations, dedicated to the issue of learning foreign
languages using various digital tools were presented at the event.
“The main problem in learning any foreign language is the lack of
communication with its native speaker, so language immersion method is the most
efficient way of learning a language. You can do it artificially with various
digital tools, such as listening to podcasts, watching feature films and
documentaries, content of video bloggers and teachers at different platforms.
Communication with representatives of various countries, reading online news and
original literature, grammar and vocabulary training on special digital
simulators can help to learn a foreign language” – says the Head of the
Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics of BSU Irina Zyryanova.
Moreover, during the discussion, linguistic students discussed a range of
topical issues related to the development of artificial intelligence, the
possibility of using chat bots for educational purposes in the study of foreign
languages, problems and prospects for the development of neural networks, as
well as the role of artificial intelligence systems in the field of education.
“I chose the app Busuu, because it’s more complete for learning foreign
languages, and it contains a huge number of functions, which will be useful for
both beginners and professionals” – says a first year student Anna Serobaba.
A round table became the first scientific experience of young linguists. In
the future the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics plans to expand
and develop this project not only to improve the level of knowledge of
linguists, but also students of other areas of study.