2023 recap: Language trends and tools to look back at

Group of coworkers highfiving eachother sat at a table

As we prepare to bid adieu to the year 2023, it provides us with an excellent opportunity to reflect on the current state of language learning and the various trends and features that have become more popular in this field.

Whether you're a seasoned polyglot with years of experience or a beginner just starting on your linguistic journey, it's essential to take some time to ponder and evaluate the latest developments and advancements in language learning at ɫèAV and beyond. Let’s have a look.

1. Digital language learning platforms

Digital learning platforms have transformed the way people learn new languages. The flexibility of being able to learn from anywhere, along with interactive lessons and personalized experiences powered by AI, has made these platforms a popular choice for language enthusiasts.

has witnessed significant increases in the number of users thanks to it being the closest thing to actual language immersion, with state-of-the-art speech recognition technology and over 400 hours of content specifically created to improve fluency and learn with real-life speakers rather than robots.

2. Gamification

Gamification has been around for a while but is an increasingly popular trend in language education. Nowadays, language learning platforms and apps have integrated game elements into their programs to make the process of acquiring a new language more enjoyable and rewarding.

Interactive challenges, points and badges serve as motivation for learners to stay committed to the learning process and keep track of their progress. It seems that gamification is here to stay and is being adopted more and more into learning.

3. Implementation of the Global Scale of Languages (GSL)

This year, the evolution of ɫèAV's flagship Global Scale of English, the GSL, was introduced, providing unparalleled insights into learners' skills in multiple languages. It has finished the year with an offering of four languages: French, Italian, Spanish and German, helping to personalize even more learners' language journeys.

4. Personalized learning with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In 2023, AI-driven personalization in language learning has reached new heights. Language apps are now using machine learning algorithms to provide tailored lessons based on individual learning styles, strengths and weaknesses. Responsible AI tools have been used to help language teaching (and learning) in so many ways, including lesson planning, idea generation and problem-solving.ÌýThis approach ensures that learners follow a customized learning path that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness.

Looking back, it's evident that the future of language acquisition is technology-driven and constantly evolving. Whether you prefer immersive virtual reality experiences, gamified language learning apps or personalized learning with the help of AI, there's a tool that caters to every learning style.

Stay ahead of the curve and consider embracing some of these innovative approaches to language learning in 2024. Try a new language app, game, tool or even just following and interacting with more people on socials: you might end up surprising yourself. We'll be keeping you up to date on our language learning blogs and socials all through 2024. Wishing you a happy and successful new year, and may you meet all your language goals in 2024.Ìý

ÌýÌýÌý

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • A teacher stood at a table of students helping them

    Tips for keeping learners studying over the holiday season

    By Nicolas Chaparro
    Reading time: 3.5 minutes

    Nicolas Chaparro is a Colombian language teacher with a bachelor's degree in basic education, specializing in humanities and languages. After spending five years working as a systems technician, he discovered the potential of technology to enhance learning, which ignited his passion for dynamic, tech-driven education. He has the privilege of working at one of Colombia's most prestigious English institutions, where he currently leads a team focused on education, creativity and motivation.Ìý

    The holiday season is a magical time and the perfect moment to spark a teacher's creativity. I've always believed that learning a language isn't just about studying—it's about living it. As a learner, I loved the resources my teachers and institutions provided, but what truly captivated me was the opportunity to engage with the world using the language skills I had acquired.

    As a teacher, I strive to give my students that same experience. I didn't expect the holiday season to become the perfect setting to turn my teaching philosophy into reality. This blog post shares a personal story of how I used a creative activity to keep my students learning and practicing English during the holidays with the support of the Global Scale of English (GSE).

    The challenge I faced: Mixed levels and ages

    The activity I designed, Christmas Carols, presented two main challenges:

    1. Diverse proficiency levels: My group included students ranging from beginners to advanced learners, all participating in the same activity. I wanted to have them all working together; that's what language means to me.Ìý
    2. Varied age groups: The students also spanned different age ranges, which required an effective approach to engage everyone. It was a Christmas gathering meeting with all the institution's students.

    Basic students worked on identifying vocabulary that is similar to their native language and then used it in a short text. Intermediate students solved riddles to guess words that could be included in the lyrics. Advanced students completed questionnaires to build sentences and find synonyms to refine the text. The carol was divided into three sections: the first paragraph was for basic students, the second for intermediate students and the third for advanced students. I also included French students in the activity, which was designed for both languages.

    After the students completed their tasks in separate groups, I mixed them so they could explain the vocabulary they had learned to one another. To facilitate communication without relying on Spanish, I used pictures and Christmas props to help them express themselves visually.

    Finally, we all came together and sang the carol as one group.

    Turning challenges into opportunities with the GSE

    For me, a successful language activity needs three essential components: clear instructions, engaging resources and opportunities for interaction. With these principles in mind, I crafted an inclusive and dynamic activity, using the GSE to guide my planning.

    Step 1: Defining the goal

    I realized that most of my students didn't know specific Christmas-related vocabulary or any traditional English carols. This activity was also an opportunity to learn by myself and then share with them. This gap was my opportunity to introduce them to the holiday spirit in English.

    Step 2: Planning with the GSE

    I identified suitable goals for each proficiency level using the GSE Learning Objectives. These objectives helped me design tasks that targeted key skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—while considering the ages and abilities of my students.

    Step 3: Preparing a scavenger hunt

    To make the activity interactive and fun, I organized a scavenger hunt. Students had to solve riddles and follow clues to find words essential for completing a Christmas song. The GSE objectives ensured that the tasks were appropriately challenging for each level.

    Step 4: Pairing students effectively

    Knowing my students well, I paired them strategically based on their proficiency and age. This pairing encouraged collaboration and allowed them to support each other throughout the activity.

    Making language visible and memorable

    One of my priorities was to make the language come alive. I brought visual aids like cards, games, and even a Christmas tree and a nativity scene—elements that most students recognized but had never explored in English. These visuals became valuable tools for teaching vocabulary in a tangible, engaging way.

    To add another layer of interaction, I used my guitar to sing along with the students. By the end of the activity, not only were we singing, but they also understood the meaning behind every word. Watching them take pride in their learning was incredibly rewarding and I knew this vocabulary wouldn't stop there; they would take it home and make it real for them, for the season, for their life.

    Reflections and an invitation

    This experience reminded me of the power of teaching through real-life experiences. Holidays provide a unique opportunity to teach without teaching and to help students study while living the language. Tools like the GSE make it easier for us as educators to plan meaningful and impactful activities.

    My invitation to fellow teachers is twofold:

    1. Explore the GSE resources to enrich your teaching strategies.
    2. Share your ideas and activities with the teaching community. Together, we can create opportunities for our students to use the language in real and virtual contexts that inspire learning and cooperation.

    Let's make 2025 the year we bring language to life in every classroom.