The future of technology in language learning and interpreting
As AI plays an increasingly bigger role in all areas of our lives, an event for teachers of Modern Foreign Languages, hosted by Newcastle University, explored the role of technology in this area.
15 September 2025
The event, Technology in Language Teaching (TiLT) was delivered alongside Sanako UK. It allowed Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teachers from across the region to explore the useful elements of AI specifically tailored for language learning and interpreting. Participants discovered first-hand how this kind of technology can assist in day-to-day teaching and how it can improve educational outcomes for students.
The day involved a session delivered by Wendy Adeniji from Sanako UK who spoke about the importance of helping students enjoy language learning at GCSE level and how technology can support this.
Our colleague, Dr Yashyuan Jin (Michael), Lecturer in Translating and Interpreting at Newcastle University, delivered a live demonstration with volunteer students using the Sanako Connect software.
This allowed delegates to see how the technology works in practice and how the platform can facilitate complex language tasks in real time.
The final session was a hands-on MFL lesson using the latest AI technology from Sanako across various devices.
The whole day was supported by James Robertson, Specialist Facility Lead Technician in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences where the School of Modern Languages is based.
He commented:
"It was great to have a dedicated event to better understand how this technology can be incorporated into our facilities here at Newcastle University.
It is our job to keep up to date with the best way to support our students’ education, and it was great to collaborate with Sanako UK to see how this would work."
Dr Yashyuan Jin added:
“This event delivered a great mixture of technology demos, and an understanding of how AI can actually enhance the enjoyment and interest in language learning from school-age children and beyond. There is no doubt that AI will play a key role in language learning and interpreting going forward, so it is essential that we embrace it, yet also understand its limits, and the value of human translators and interpreters’.
Newcastle as a pilot partner
The event coincides with the beginning of Sanako’s new one-year pilot programme, in partnership with International Newcastle (whose key stakeholders include Newcastle University).
The one-year pilot aims to transform how Modern Foreign Language (MFL) lessons are delivered to GCSE and A-Level students across various schools, trusts, and regions. It will be embedded within most schools in Newcastle, going live in September 2025.
Newcastle University was privileged to support this pilot through running outreach programmes with local schools. We have also successfully piloted Sanako Connect within the School of Modern Languages’ Translation and Interpreting department. The platform has proven to be a highly effective and engaging tool for enhancing language learning and conference interpreting.
James added:
"By adopting this technology early, we’re able to offer incoming students a seamless transition from A Level to university-level study. They'll arrive already familiar with the kind of digital tools integrated into our programmes, helping them feel confident, supported, and ready to thrive in their academic journey."