Duolingo recently released research claiming its AI video call feature improves speaking skills and confidence. As we previously reported, the app introduced these conversations to connect vocabulary memorization with real-world fluency. The company now claims the data confirms the tool works.
What Happened
According to a new research report from Duolingo, learners who use the Video Call feature outperform those who stick to traditional lessons. The company’s Efficacy Research Lab tracked users to measure progress at the beginner and intermediate levels.
For beginners learning French and Spanish, practicing with the AI character Falstaff resulted in better speaking of useful conversation phrases compared to non-users. Results were more pronounced for intermediate English learners. A month-long study found that users who practiced open-ended conversations with the character Lily at least twice a day improved more on a standardized speaking test than a control group. A separate study of early intermediate Spanish learners noted that chatting with Lily also boosted self-reported confidence.
The Bigger Picture
Independent research supports the idea that artificial intelligence builds language skills. A study in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications compared AI-mediated voice assistants to classroom peer activities. Researchers found students using AI tools demonstrated superior gains in speaking proficiency on the IELTS Speaking Test. The AI group also reported higher enjoyment and lower anxiety.
Anxiety reduction is a factor in language acquisition. Experts note that new speakers often struggle with the cognitive load of translating and the social anxiety of talking to native speakers. Because AI characters do not judge mistakes, they provide a safe environment for learners to take risks.
Confidence is not a complete solution. Simply accumulating vocabulary does not automatically translate to communicative confidence. According to research in Frontiers in Psychology, emotional intelligence has no statistically significant relationship with speaking self-efficacy. The strongest predictor of success is metacognitive awareness, which is a learner's ability to regulate their own thinking and study strategies.
What This Means for Families
For parents and educators, these findings suggest AI video calls help overcome the initial fear of speaking a new language. By practicing out loud in a low-stakes environment, students build the muscle memory required for actual conversations. The active engagement required by speaking aloud mirrors the benefits of active pretesting, where students who guess meanings before seeing the answer retain vocabulary better than those who passively read.
Families should view these features as a stepping stone rather than a replacement for human interaction. While AI simulates dialogue, students must develop the self-awareness to recognize their own weaknesses and apply their skills in real-world social situations.
What You Can Do
- Encourage out-loud practice early: Do not wait until a child has a large vocabulary to start conversation. Use AI tools or simple role-play to get them speaking from day one.
- Focus on low-stakes environments: If a student is anxious about speaking in class, use an AI voice assistant or app-based calling feature to help them practice without fear of peer judgment.
- Build metacognitive skills: Ask a child to reflect on their learning process. Use prompts like, "Which words were hardest to remember today?" or "How did you figure out what that phrase meant?" to develop independent learning strategies.