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In just the past few years, AI has rapidly changed the way humans learn, work, and communicate. We can use ChatGPT to write emails, Gemini to translate documents, or utilize AI tools to translate meetings almost in real time. This has also prompted many pupils and students to ask a very practical and interesting question: “If AI can translate everything, is there still a need to learn English?”.
In reality, AI is making access to foreign languages much easier. However, the majority of educational experts and international researchers believe that AI does not make learning English “obsolete.” On the contrary, in the era of AI, those who know English possess even greater advantages in both academic and professional pursuits.
A few facts that might surprise you
AI can translate languages but cannot fully replace communication skills
One of the common misunderstandings today is thinking that “being able to translate” is synonymous with “being able to communicate.” In reality, communication is not merely converting words from one language to another. It also encompasses emotions, reflexes, context, culture, and the way humans connect with one another.
AI can translate languages beautifully, but it cannot yet replace communication skills in an international working environment
AI can help translate a paragraph quite rapidly, but it cannot deliver presentations, build relationships, negotiate, or handle real-life communication scenarios in academic and professional environments on your behalf. UNESCO has also emphasized that AI translation technology is not a substitute for language learning, because the “human” element in communication remains beyond the capabilities of AI.
This becomes even more evident in an international environment, where English is not just a tool for “translation” but the language for teamwork, idea exchange, and cultural connection.
English-proficient individuals will have a greater edge when working alongside AI
An interesting point is that AI currently operates most powerfully with English. The vast majority of data, academic documents, technology research, or large AI models are developed first in English. This implies that individuals who know English usually have an advantage in utilizing AI effectively.
Knowing English will be a major advantage when working with AI
For instance, when utilizing AI for studying or working, users can: – Write clearer and more precise prompts; – Search for international documents faster; – Verify information from multiple sources; – Access new knowledge much earlier;
In the era of AI, knowing English is no longer purely about “comprehension through translation” but is gradually becoming an essential capability that helps humans collaborate with technology more efficiently.
The more AI advances, the more critical human skills become
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, the skills evaluated as most critical in the upcoming period include critical thinking, adaptability, communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking. These are also the exact skills that AI cannot fully replace.
English can help personnel access a diverse range of materials, enabling more accurate and appropriate decision-making
AI can generate answers very rapidly, but evaluating whether that information is correct or incorrect, appropriate or not, still requires human decision-making. Therefore, the ability to self-learn, think critically, and deeply understand issues will become increasingly vital in the future working environment. In particular, English also helps students access a diverse range of perspectives from international documentation sources, rather than relying solely on information that has been translated or summarized.
This is also the reason why many enterprises today are not just looking for individuals who “know how to use AI” but also require those with the capacity to learn and adapt within a global environment.
Learning English at NIIE: A roadmap from basics to B2 standard
Many students nowadays are still hesitant when a bilingual environment is mentioned because they worry about having lost their English roots or lacking enough confidence to communicate. However, at the NIIE Institute (NTT Institute of International Education) – Nguyen Tat Thanh University, students are provided with an English roadmap structured across 6 levels, from foundational basics to the B2 output standard (IELTS 5.5 – 6.0).
In the initial stage, students will consolidate their English foundation, get accustomed to a bilingual learning environment, and enhance their communication reflexes. Once they possess a stronger foundation, they continue to develop academic English and specialized English through presentations, teamwork, projects, and other learning activities.
This roadmap helps students step-by-step develop the ability to use English in academic, communication, and practical working environments. More importantly, the goal does not just stop at studying to take certificate exams but is aimed at helping students be confident enough to access international knowledge, utilize technology effectively, and adapt to the working environment in the AI era.
The roadmap at NIIE helps students step-by-step develop the ability to use English in academic, communication, and practical working environments
It can be observed that AI is changing the way humans learn and work every day. However, that does not make English less important. On the contrary, in a world where technology advances at a breakneck pace, the proficiency to use English is gradually becoming a powerful tool that helps young people connect globally, acquire new knowledge, and work more effectively alongside AI.
If you are looking for an environment that helps develop English from foundational basics to practical application in studies and career paths, the international standard program at the NIIE Institute – Nguyen Tat Thanh University is an option well worth exploring further.
Article by: Nhat Thien
