Middlebury Institute Professor Explores AI's Role in Language Learning

Gabriel Guillén discusses how AI can supplement language education at WashU talk

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:22am

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Gabriel Guillén, a professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, discussed the role of artificial intelligence in language learning during a talk at Washington University. Guillén covered topics like how AI differs from other tools, why humans still feel compelled to learn new languages, and how professors can adapt assignments to incorporate AI while still encouraging student learning.

Why it matters

As AI becomes more advanced and integrated into daily life, there are growing concerns about how it may impact traditional education, especially in fields like language learning. Guillén's talk aimed to explore the nuances of this issue and provide guidance to professors on how to navigate the use of AI in their classrooms.

The details

During the talk, Guillén polled the audience of mostly foreign language professors on their comfort level with AI, finding most fell between 'AI cautious' and 'AI curious.' He then discussed what makes humans unique - the ability to create unlimited meaning with a limited set of sounds. Guillén argued that teaching language is essential to preserving humanity. Despite the rise of AI translation tools, data shows an increasing number of people want to learn new languages. However, Guillén emphasized that AI cannot truly replace real communication in the same language. He proposed that professors adapt assignments to incorporate AI while still focusing on the learning process, not just the end product. Guillén also stressed the importance of immersion that AI cannot replicate.

  • The talk took place on April 2, 2026.
  • In the 1970s, there were 250,000 students taking Spanish in American classrooms. Today, that number is half a million.

The players

Gabriel Guillén

A professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey who spoke about the role of AI in language learning.

Paolo Scartoni

A lecturer in Italian who attended the talk and remains skeptical about using AI in his language classes, fearing it will remove the essential part of learning through mistakes.

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What they’re saying

“We need to teach the language. If we don't teach the language to our kids, then it doesn't matter, right? So one can say that teaching language is what makes us human.”

— Gabriel Guillén, Professor

“AI policy should be a process, not just something like a contract.”

— Gabriel Guillén, Professor

“The most beautiful things you learn little by little, and it takes a long time. I think our biggest success as language instructors is when we make students passionate about learning that language, because it's a journey that does not end in four years.”

— Paolo Scartoni, Lecturer in Italian

What’s next

Professors in the Romance Languages and Literatures department at WashU will continue to discuss and develop policies around the use of AI in their language courses.

The takeaway

As AI becomes more prevalent, language educators must find the right balance between incorporating new technologies and preserving the essential human elements of language learning, such as the value of mistakes, immersion, and fostering a passion for the journey of mastering a new language.