From my observation, AI devices haven't completely removed the language barrier; but they have simply automated it. Think of AI as a high-speed bridge that carries information back and forth between people, though the "islands" of different cultures remain separate. AI is excellent at translating literal words, but it often struggles with humor, deep cultural traditions, and high-stakes situations like medicine or law where every tiny detail matters. Most importantly, speaking through a machine can feel less personal because you lose the natural eye contact and the shared human effort that builds real friendship. Ultimately, AI helps us exchange data, but learning a language ourselves is still the only way to truly connect with people.

Speaking about the role of language teachers in education; Yes, we are more important now than ever before. Now we have reached a point where AI can handle the "translation," but it cannot handle the "transformation." As a teacher, we aren't just a walking dictionary; we are a cultural architect and a mentor. 

Even in a world with instant AI translation, language teachers are still essential because communication is about much more than just exchanging words. While a device can give you a literal translation, only a teacher can help you develop the social skills needed to speak with warmth, humor, and respect for other cultures. Learning a new language is a difficult journey, and you need a teacher as an "emotional anchor" to encourage you when you feel frustrated—something a machine simply cannot do. Additionally, teachers show you how to use AI wisely as a tool to improve your skills, rather than a "crutch" that makes your brain lazy. Ultimately, a teacher helps you understand the hidden meanings and social rules that AI often misses. While AI handles the data, your teacher focuses on the human connection, making sure you don't just translate words, but truly belong in a new community. 

Last but not least, "An app lets you talk to a stranger. Learning a language lets you become a friend. I don't teach my pupils how to 'output data'; I teach them how to connect with the world so they don't have to hide behind a screen for the rest of their lives."