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Google Translate may soon adopt Duolingo's gamified approach to learning, but it probably won't have streak reminders that'll give you anxiety throughout the day.
The Google Translate app is probably the default translation tool on your phone. You can paste, type, or even scribble text to be translated. Plus, the app's integration with Lens helps you transcribe and translate text within images or objects in your surroundings.
The app currently supports about 250 languages, capable of translating anything from Albanian and Greek to Romanian and Turkish.
With its capabilities, some may wonder: "why can't it translate AND teach me the language?"
And it appears Google's been thinking it too.
A Replacement for Duolingo?
Spotted by Android Authority way back in April, Google Translate added a beta Practice feature to let you exercise your language skills with the app.
In the toolbar, a dedicated Practice button was available beside the Conversation, Microphone, and Camera icons.
In a preview by Android Authority, you can choose multiple languages you wish to learn and assign your level of proficiency: Just Starting, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Besides practicing your speaking and listening skills, you can add goals too. Google Translate then tailors activities to help you achieve them. It can be as simple as "practicing Spanish for an hour".
Something Google is doing differently from Duolingo is that the app has a list of "scenarios" with compiled practice words. The listed scenarios feature general real-life occurences, including asking for directions, greetings and introductions, ordering food and drinks, and more.
If you want to learn what to say for a more specific occasion, you can also create your own practice scenario with a customised a compilation of practice words for you. All you need to do is input a text prompt to describe your custom scenario, but Google Translate also offers suggestions like "passing immigration" and "ask for a vegetarian food option".
The app will then quiz you in a round-based format. You can also adjust the difficulty after each listening round. It’s worth noting that this Practice feature keeps track of your specified goals and words learned. It also offers daily activities, ostensibly to keep you coming back (much like Duolingo).
However, Android Authority notes that the app may require a paid subscription, as it mentions that the feature is a "trial period" with "early and unlimited access."
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