If mini stories aren’t enough or you’re learning a language that isn’t on here, chatGPT uses fairly simple language. I’ll say something like "tell me about blank in target language and it’s a massive help for reading practice. It also gives a list of sources for any language you want. Definitely worth using, it has saved me literal hours of trying to find simple sources for niche languages. It also breaks down sentencess. It’s somewhat inaccurate but for the most part very very useful.
I’ve started using it too. Not only for asking questions about the culture or particular topics but even asking it about popular movies, shows, music. Also, it’s great to ask to write a short children’s story etc and you can copy & paste into LingQ!
Now, yes, it may not be 100% correct. Although, playing with it, it is pretty accurate and still a great way to expand vocabulary.
I’m late to the party and just decided today to sign up for a free account.
I kept tapping the “+ New Chat” button on the top left, without noticing the input box at the bottom of the screen. Nothing happened, so I switched browsers.
I thought this is just my luck. I finally got the gumption to try this thing and maybe I was in Friday peak time when free accounts are temporarily suspended.
I laughed when I finally noticed the input box. I asked it to write me a folk tale in Japanese. I know many 物語 so I was surprised that on my very first request it gave me something I hadn’t read or listened to before.
Easy to read, but not a waste of time. It was new and interesting material plus I even made a few LingQ’s.
I had it regenerate another story which I also imported to LingQ. I look forward to reading it when I get back from my daily errands.
It seems that this only works for the very beginner level? I’ve been asking for links to essays in portuguese and they are almost all dead links. the chat-generated stuff is of course pretty elementary
Providing links isn’t exactly what it’s supposed to do. It doesn’t fetch links, it “creates” them on the fly, so they probably never existed in the first place It’s a big language model, basically it “talks” to you, “understands” you and answers your questions (prompts). Usually, if it generates something elementary, it means you have to adjust your following prompts.
Try to ask him to act like a famous portugese writer and write some story of about 400-500 words. That way you create a context for GPT. Then ask to write something specific, give to it names of the characters, outline of a plot, side-sotries and so on.
For some languages it works better than for others. In English, it’s capable of writing a hip-hop in the style of SnoopDogg (or any well-known artist) based on these comments and it would sound really nice. In Russian, it can’t write a single verse with rhyme and rythm, but the gist of what it writes is hillarious sometimes.
UPD: For links, I guess, BingAI (bing.com) would be better. Basically, it’s the same language model, but trained by Microsoft. Ultimately, it would be as good at fetching links as the search engine of Bing’s is good. Not so good And conversations with BingAI are much more boring imo. Boring as Skype I would say.
The next couple of comments is my interaction with GPT, based on this post. Check it out
Me:
Respond to the following comment, as if you were explaining to a user the pros and cons of ChatGPT for language learning:
It seems that this only works for the very beginner level? I’ve been asking for links to essays in portuguese and they are almost all dead links. the chat-generated stuff is of course pretty elementary
ChatGPT:
As an AI language model, ChatGPT has its own strengths and limitations when it comes to language learning.
One of the biggest advantages of using ChatGPT for language learning is that it can provide instant feedback and corrections to your language usage. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, ChatGPT can help you improve your grammar, vocabulary, and overall fluency through interactive conversations.
However, ChatGPT may not be the best tool for more advanced language learners who are looking for more complex and nuanced language usage. While ChatGPT can generate responses that are grammatically correct and contextually appropriate, its responses are still generated by an algorithm and may lack the sophistication and cultural nuances that come with human language use.
In terms of finding resources like essays in specific languages, ChatGPT may not be the most reliable source. While it can provide links to resources, it relies on existing online content, and it is possible that some of the links may no longer be available or may not be of the highest quality.
In summary, ChatGPT can be a useful tool for language learning, particularly for beginners, but it has its limitations. It’s best used in conjunction with other language learning resources and tools, such as language textbooks, language exchange partners, and immersion experiences.
Me:
Rewrite what you’ve written in the style of Gabriel García Márquez
ChatGPT:
In the realm of language learning, ChatGPT has its own unique virtues and flaws, much like any other creation of man. This AI language model is capable of providing prompt and corrective feedback on your language usage, no matter your level of proficiency. Whether you’re a fledgling learner or an expert in the tongue, ChatGPT’s interactive conversations can aid you in enhancing your grammar, vocabulary, and overall fluency.
However, ChatGPT may not prove as fruitful for the advanced language learner seeking to master more intricate and nuanced language usage. While it can generate responses that are contextually appropriate and grammatically correct, its algorithmic responses may lack the refined finesse and cultural distinctions of human language use.
As for locating resources such as essays in specific languages, ChatGPT may not be the most reliable source. While it can proffer links to resources, it depends on existing online content, and it is conceivable that some of the links may be defunct or lack the quality desired.
In essence, ChatGPT can serve as a valuable instrument for language learning, notably for beginners, yet its imperfections must also be taken into account. It is best employed alongside other language learning resources and tools, such as language textbooks, language exchange partners, and immersion experiences.
I asked for a 500 word story in Japanese about a woman finding a magic lamp. I also asked for the same story in “easy Japanese”.
ChatGPT is creative because it didn’t just simplify the vocabulary, it changed the story slightly.
First story took place in the mountains, second at the seashore.
Both stories had health/longevity as the second wish but there was a difference in the first and last wishes. World Peace vs a large pile of Money and Happiness vs. Meeting a loving Man with common interests to share a happy life with.
Fulfillment of the generic happiness wish was entertaining. The genie made everything she looked at to appear beautiful to her and everything was accompanied by a soft volume soundtrack of all her favorite music. Ha ha!
An example of difficulty level between “Japanese” and “easy Japanese”: First story, she polishes the lamp and a strange smoke comes out and a sorcerer appears (compound kanji used). Second story, no smoke, but the formal verb for looking into a pot or container was used and she simply “noticed” the genie. And “genie” was written in Katakana instead of “魔法使い”
Also, I didn’t think ChatGPT was supposed to write spicy stories but it goes down that path sometimes without provocation. All I asked for was a story in Japanese about a guy whose air conditioner fails and the apartment complex sends over a woman to fix it.
I was surprised what happened after she fixed the air conditioner. She sat down on the sofa next to the man and asked him if there was anything else he needed. He said “no, thank you” but she said not to be shy. She said she noticed him checking her out the entire time she was fixing the air conditioner. Crazy stuff but interesting!
WoooWWW!!! That’s a great idea, dude!!