AI Italian language apps are trending. They can help — but automatic corrections aren’t always reliable. Here’s how to use them wisely, and why real teachers still win.
How we use AI creatively: in class we also experiment with AI to draft texts and songs (see Matteo’s piece). AI is a support, not a substitute.
What these apps do (in plain English)
- Speech recognition to capture what you say
- NLP to interpret your words
- Text-to-speech/avatars to simulate a chat
- Automatic suggestions on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
From the learner’s side, it feels like an always-on tutor — handy for extra practice outside class.
For level planning, we still follow the CEFR guidelines (Council of Europe), and when in doubt about usage we consult Treccani and Accademia della Crusca. These references keep corrections consistent with real Italian.
The risk behind “automatic” corrections
Apps can miss context or propose literal translations. Examples learners often meet:
- a Milano (correct) vs in Milano (often wrong)
- Vengo da New York (corretto) vs vengo dalla New York (wrong!!!)
- penso che sia (subjunctive) vs penso che è
- Clitic pronouns in the wrong place
Repeated wrong feedback can lead to fossilized errors that are hard to unlearn later.
Human teachers vs apps: what changes for you
| Aspect | App | Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | Scheduled |
| Accuracy | Variable | Expert, contextual |
| Culture | Limited | Rich & authentic |
| Personalization | Generic | Tailored |
| Long-term results | Risk of fossilization | Steady, reliable progress |
Use apps as a complement. For high-stakes goals (CVs, interviews, emails) human guidance is essential.
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Bottom line
App practice is useful, but it’s not a substitute for human expertise. Keep the best of both worlds: extra drills with tools; accurate, confidence-building feedback with teachers — in Milan or online.