*This post was created with a self-made CustomGPT based on Sophie’s latest YouTube video. You can find the link to the video at the end of this article.
Sometimes the best ideas come out of necessity – at least that was the case for me when I started using ChatGPT specifically to learn and improve my Italian. In this article, I will show you how you can use the project function of ChatGPT to learn a language more effectively and use it in practice.
The initial situation: communication in Italian
I currently live in Italian-speaking Switzerland and suddenly realized that I regularly have to communicate with tradespeople and other service providers on WhatsApp in my professional and private life – in Italian! Although I already have a good command of the language, I often found it difficult to write quickly and correctly. This is where ChatGPT came to my aid.
At first, I simply used it as a translation tool to formulate my messages as accurately as possible. But I soon realized that ChatGPT can do more than just translate. It can even give me tips on how to adapt my texts to make them sound more natural and friendly – especially important when communicating with native speakers.
The aha moment: ChatGPT as a language partner
Funnily enough, ChatGPT sometimes not only translated my text, but also provided me with a suitable answer. This gave me an idea: why not create your own project within ChatGPT to systematically learn Italian?
You can find the project function in the left sidebar of ChatGPT under “Projects”. I have created a new project there with the name “Italian texts”. This project serves as my personal language assistant for all the Italian texts I need.
My setup for the perfect language learning project
To ensure that ChatGPT works exactly the way I want it to, I have provided some instructions:
- Response language: ChatGPT should always respond in Italian in this project, regardless of the language in which I make my request.
- Translation & reply: It should first translate my text and then, if possible, reply directly to my query.
- Style of answers: The answers should be as personal as possible, slightly formal and formulated in simple language. That way I can understand them better and learn from them.
A practical example
Let’s assume I want to increase my reach on the topic of “AI in Ticino”. I enter a rough query, which is not particularly detailed, and send it to my “Italian texts” project.
The result? ChatGPT first provides me with the Italian translation of my request and then gives me specific tips on how I can achieve my goal. This not only provides me with linguistic support, but also with useful content-related suggestions.
Why this method is so effective
This strategy works particularly well for me because I already have a basic knowledge of Italian and can understand ChatGPT’s answers. But the concept can also be easily applied to other languages. For example, if you need to communicate frequently in English in your day-to-day work, you can create your own “English texts” project. This means that texts can not only be translated, but also optimized linguistically.
Conclusion: Language learning with a system
The project function of ChatGPT opens up completely new possibilities for learning and using a foreign language. Not only can you use them for translations, but you can also interact with ChatGPT to actively improve your language skills. Try it out and integrate it into your everyday life – it’s worth it!
Any further questions?
Do you have any questions? I will be happy to support you, act as a sparring partner and answer your questions. I am always happy to receive your messages, preferably by WhatsApp message or e-mail.
