Episode details

Available for over a year
Can you really learn a new language from apps like Duolingo? Sliced Bread listener Nathan Phelps has been teaching himself Japanese. He鈥檚 tried textbooks, tutors, and crucially, language apps on his phone - and he came to us because he鈥檚 seen these apps claiming to be 鈥渂acked by science鈥 to help you 鈥渓earn a new language, fast鈥. More recently he鈥檚 even seen apps boast about 鈥淎I powered features鈥 to help you practice your language skills, available on premium subscriptions. Nathan wants to know: are language apps an effective way to learn? How do they compare to other ways of learning? And can AI really supercharge your language skills? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Professor Elizabeth Wonnacott, Professor of Language Science at the University of Oxford and Director of the Language Learning Lab in their Department of Education. All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you鈥檝e seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807. RESEARCHER: JULIA RAVEY PRODUCERS: PHIL SANSOM AND GREG FOOT
Programme Website