The Psychology of TOEFL Speaking: How to Speak Faster & Clearer

What if the secret to speaking English fluently wasn’t just about grammar, but about how your brain processes language? In this episode of The TOEFL Speaking Prep Podcast for the AI Era, we dive into groundbreaking research from Japan that’s reshaping how students learn English.

Discover how formulaic sequences—those everyday phrases we use without thinking—can significantly boost your fluency and reading speed. We also explore how AI-powered tools like SpeechRater are transforming TOEFL preparation, offering instant, personalized feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary.

Join us as we uncover the psychology behind speaking faster and clearer, and how technology is revolutionizing language learning. Plus, we tackle the ethical considerations of AI in education—how do we ensure it's fair, accessible, and beneficial for everyone?

🚀 Tune in now to unlock the secrets to mastering TOEFL Speaking with science and AI!

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Transcript

Hey everyone, ready for another deep dive? Today, we're heading over to Japan to check out how they're changing up English education. Yeah, it's a pretty big shift. Big time.

(0:37 - 0:45)
So, think about this. They're moving away from the traditional grammar drills, you know, like memorizing verb conjugations and all that. Yeah.

(0:45 - 0:53)
And they're putting the focus on teaching kids how to actually communicate in English. It's like a whole new approach to language learning. Totally.

(0:53 - 1:01)
It's like a giant educational experiment. And guess what? We get a front row seat thanks to this super interesting research paper. Oh, yeah.

(1:01 - 1:10)
This one is really fascinating. Right. It's by Hiroko Nishimura from Kwanzaa Gakuin University, and it dives into how these changes are affecting high schoolers in Japan.

(1:10 - 1:21)
And it gets into some pretty cool brain science stuff, too. I know, right? Yeah. Like, did you know there's this thing called formulaic sequences? Yeah, basically those everyday phrases we use without even thinking about it.

(1:21 - 1:29)
Exactly. Like, how are you? Or, see you later. Our brains process those as chunks, not individual words, which helps us speak more fluently.

(1:29 - 1:39)
Mind blown. Okay, so that makes sense for, like, our native language. But how does this all connect to what's happening in Japan with English education? Well, think of it this way.

(1:40 - 1:52)
Instead of dissecting every grammar rule, students are learning to absorb these common phrases and use them naturally in conversations. So it's more about, like, immersion and practical usage rather than just memorizing rules. Exactly.

(1:52 - 2:01)
And this research is trying to figure out if that actually works. Makes sense. So, I'm guessing this shift didn't happen overnight, right? It's probably been a gradual process.

(2:01 - 2:05)
Yeah, for sure. It's been evolving for over a decade. Okay, so walk us through the timeline.

(2:05 - 2:17)
Well, back in 2011, they started making English activities mandatory for fifth and sixth graders. Hmm, interesting. Then in 2020, they did a major curriculum overhaul, bringing English to even younger students.

(2:17 - 2:19)
Wow. So they're really committing to early language learning. Hmm.

(2:19 - 2:34)
Okay, so what exactly are they hoping to achieve with all these changes? What are the big goals? The main idea is to cultivate communication ability, like they say in the research. So it's about being able to actually express yourself in English, not just knowing the grammar rule. Exactly.

(2:34 - 2:44)
It's about communicating effectively in real-world situations. Okay, that makes total sense. But how do we know if it's actually working? That's where this research comes in, right? Yep.

(2:45 - 2:54)
The researchers wanted to see how this shift towards communication is impacting students' fluency. Fluency, so like how smoothly and easily they can speak. Right.

(2:54 - 3:14)
And they looked at high school students who had gone through this new system, and they measured how accurately and quickly they could read English sentences aloud. Out loud. So how does reading aloud connect to their ability to communicate in a conversation? Well, that's where those formulaic sequences come in again.

(3:14 - 3:27)
The study focused on how those pre-constructed phrases affected the students' reading speed. So did they find that using those formulaic sequences actually helped students read faster and more fluently? They did. Yeah.

(3:27 - 3:39)
Students read sentences containing those phrases much faster than sentences they had to piece together word by word. Wow, that's pretty cool. So even though there's less emphasis on the grammar drills, they are seeing improvements in fluency.

(3:40 - 3:52)
It's a promising sign. But what about accuracy? Like, are students still making grammatical errors because they're not focusing as much on the rules? That's a great question, and it's something the research also looked at. I figured it had to.

(3:52 - 4:11)
They did find that accuracy still needs some work, possibly because of the shift away from grammar exercises. So it sounds like there might be a bit of a trade-off happening, you're gaining fluency, but maybe losing a bit of accuracy along the way. Yeah, it definitely highlights the need to find a balance between communication skills and a solid grammatical foundation.

(4:11 - 4:21)
For sure. And I think this research has some really interesting implications beyond Japan, especially for anyone learning English as a second language, like people studying for the TOEFL. Absolutely.

(4:21 - 4:34)
The TOEFL exam really emphasizes practical communication skills, particularly in the speaking section. Right, where you have to respond to prompts quickly and sound natural. And that's where knowing those formulaic sequences could be a real advantage.

(4:34 - 4:42)
Like having those ready-to-go phrases at your fingertips. Exactly. And this is where the rise of AI-powered tools is becoming so relevant.

(4:42 - 4:55)
Okay, let's talk AI. I've heard a lot about these AI tools for language learning, but honestly, I'm not quite sure how they work. Well, imagine having a personalized tutor who can analyze your speech, like your pronunciation and fluency.

(4:55 - 5:02)
Like a digital language coach. Yeah. And it can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and give you feedback on how to improve.

(5:02 - 5:07)
Wow, that sounds incredible. It's like having a language expert available 24-7. Right.

(5:07 - 5:13)
And one of the coolest things is the use of Speech Rater technology. Speech Rater. Fill me in.

(5:13 - 5:28)
It's a technology that can assess your pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and even how well you use those formulaic sequences we talked about. So it's giving you this super-detailed analysis of your speaking abilities. And not just for TOEFL prep, right? This could be helpful for anyone learning a new language.

(5:29 - 5:41)
Absolutely. These AI-powered tools are becoming more and more accessible to learners all over the world, no matter where they live or their background. And that's what's so exciting about this whole thing, right? It's not just about acing a test.

(5:41 - 5:52)
It's about giving people the tools to communicate, connect, and achieve their dreams. It's about breaking down language barriers and opening up a world of possibilities. I love that.

(5:52 - 6:06)
So we've got this research from Japan showing a shift towards communication-focused language learning. And we've got AI stepping in with these amazing tools to support learners along the way. It's like we're witnessing a revolution in language learning.

(6:06 - 6:14)
And it's just getting started. Definitely. And I think it's safe to say that AI will continue to play a bigger and bigger role in education in the future.

(6:14 - 6:23)
This is getting me really pumped about the future of language learning. So let's dive even deeper into some specific examples of how AI is being used. All right, let's get into the nitty-gritty.

(6:24 - 6:40)
Because I'm thinking, okay, personalized learning sounds amazing, but what does that actually look like in practice? Well, picture this. You're prepping for the TOEFL speaking section, maybe feeling a little unsure about your pronunciation. You log on to one of these AI platforms, and it guides you through some speaking tasks.

(6:41 - 6:53)
As you're talking, SpeechRater is analyzing everything, giving you instant feedback on your intonation, rhythm, and how clearly you're saying certain sounds. Whoa. That's like having a pronunciation coach in your pocket.

(6:53 - 6:59)
Exactly. And it doesn't just tell you what you're doing wrong. It gives you targeted exercises to help you improve.

(6:59 - 7:08)
So it's not just identifying problems, it's actually offering solutions. Exactly. And since it's AI, it adapts to your learning style and pace, so it's super efficient.

(7:09 - 7:22)
Okay, I'm sold on the pronunciation front, but what about fluency and vocabulary? Can AI help with those too? Of course. AI can analyze your speech patterns and figure out where you hesitate or struggle to find the right words. Interesting.

(7:22 - 7:31)
And then it can suggest vocabulary and phrases to help you express yourself more smoothly. Like a walking, talking thesaurus that's constantly learning with you. That's a great way to put it.

(7:31 - 7:41)
And it can help you understand how language is used in different contexts, like those formulaic sequences we were talking about. So it's helping you unlock those secrets of sounding more natural and fluent. Exactly.

(7:42 - 7:57)
And the more we understand how the brain learns language, the better we can design these AI tools to support that. This is all so fascinating. I'm starting to see how AI can really revolutionize how we approach language learning.

(7:57 - 8:10)
It's a total game changer. And the best part is that these AI-powered tools are becoming accessible to learners all over the world. We talked about AI leveling the playing field, but I'd love to hear more about the broader impact on global education.

(8:11 - 8:24)
Well, for starters, it's breaking down geographical barriers. Like how? Students in remote areas or developing countries who might not have access to traditional classes can now use these online platforms no matter where they are. Wow, that's incredible.

(8:24 - 8:32)
It's like opening up a whole world of opportunities. Exactly. And AI is also making education more affordable, so it's not just for the privileged few anymore.

(8:32 - 8:46)
We're talking about empowering individuals and communities through education, not just improving language skills. Precisely. AI has the potential to transform lives by giving people the tools to communicate, learn, and thrive.

(8:46 - 8:53)
This is truly inspiring. It's amazing to think about how far we've come with language learning technology. And this is just the beginning.

(8:53 - 9:14)
As AI evolves, we can expect even more innovative and impactful applications. So while we've covered a lot of ground today, there's still so much more to explore. What are some other ways AI is being used in education and test prep that our listeners might find interesting? Well, one area that's really exciting is the use of AI to create adaptive learning platforms.

(9:15 - 9:27)
Adaptive learning. What does that mean exactly? Imagine a learning platform that's constantly adjusting to your individual needs and progress. It's like having a personal tutor who anticipates your challenges and gives you exactly what you need to succeed.

(9:27 - 9:46)
So how does AI do that? Well, AI algorithms can analyze tons of data about your learning patterns, your strengths, weaknesses, and how you like to learn. And then, based on that data, the platform can tailor the content, pace, and difficulty of your lessons to create a truly personalized experience. Wow, that sounds amazing.

(9:46 - 9:57)
So it's not just throwing information at you, it's about presenting it in the way that works best for you. Exactly. And it can also give you personalized feedback and guide you towards the right resources.

(9:57 - 10:04)
So it's making the whole learning process more efficient and effective. Precisely. It's all about optimizing learning and making it more engaging.

(10:04 - 10:16)
Okay, so adaptive learning is one cool application of AI in education. What else is on the horizon? Well, another area that's gaining traction is automated essay scoring. Automated essay scoring.

(10:17 - 10:29)
So like, instead of a teacher grading my essays, a computer does it. That's the idea. AI algorithms can be trained to evaluate essays based on grammar, vocabulary, organization, you know, all the important stuff.

(10:29 - 10:41)
Wow, that's pretty advanced. But can a computer really understand the nuances of human language and writing well enough to grade an essay? It's definitely a complex task, but AI is getting better at it all the time. Hmm, interesting.

(10:41 - 10:53)
While it might not be able to replace a human grader entirely, it can provide consistent and objective feedback, which is really valuable. Yeah, I can see how that would be helpful, especially when you have lots of students. Exactly.

(10:53 - 11:06)
Automated essay scoring can save teachers a ton of time and let them focus on giving more personalized feedback. So it's not about replacing teachers, it's about giving them more tools to support their students. Precisely.

(11:06 - 11:17)
AI is there to help teachers do what they do best, which is teach. This is all so exciting. It feels like we're on the cusp of a major shift in how we approach education and learning.

(11:17 - 11:36)
It's a transformative time, and I can't wait to see how AI continues to shape the future of education, making it more accessible, personalized, and effective for everyone. Me too. We've covered a lot of ground today, from Japan's innovative English education reforms to the incredible potential of AI in language learning and test prep.

(11:36 - 11:49)
It's been a fascinating journey, and I hope our listeners are as excited about the possibilities as we are. I'm sure they are. But before we get too carried away, we need to acknowledge that with any new technology, there are some challenges and concerns that need to be addressed.

(11:49 - 12:03)
For sure. And we'll definitely dive into those in more detail. So stay tuned for part two of this deep dive, where we'll explore some of the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education and discuss the potential downsides we need to be mindful of.

(12:03 - 12:12)
It's going to be a thought-provoking conversation, so make sure to join us. It really is amazing to see how AI can bring people together through language. Yeah, it's super cool.

(12:12 - 12:24)
But, you know, it makes you think, like we were just talking about how AI can analyze all these aspects of speech, but does it ever get things wrong? Like, language can be pretty tricky sometimes. Oh, for sure. It's a great point.

(12:24 - 12:39)
AI is still under development, so it's not perfect. It might misinterpret certain accents or, you know, sometimes it struggles with some of the more subtle parts of language. Right, because there are so many nuances and idioms and, like, cultural context that goes into it.

(12:39 - 12:45)
Exactly. But the good news is that it's getting better all the time. The technology is constantly evolving and improving.

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That's good to hear. So it's not like a magic solution, but it's definitely a powerful tool that can help us learn. I think of it as more of a guide or a support system.

(12:55 - 13:04)
It can help point us in the right direction. Makes sense. So it's important to remember that AI should enhance human interaction and learning, not replace it completely.

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Absolutely. It's all about finding that balance, you know, using technology to our advantage while still valuing the human element. Right, because learning is so much more than just data and algorithms.

(13:15 - 13:25)
Exactly. Okay, so let's maybe switch gears a little bit and talk about some other ways AI is impacting education, especially when it comes to test prep. Sounds good.

(13:25 - 13:37)
I'm ready to dive into some more examples. Okay, well, one area that's really taking off is the use of AI to create these things called adaptive learning platforms for standardized tests like the TOEFL. Adaptive learning platforms.

(13:37 - 13:48)
I've heard that term thrown around, but I'm not entirely sure what it means. Can you break it down for us? Sure. So imagine a learning platform that's constantly adapting to you, like to your individual needs and progress.

(13:48 - 14:06)
It's like having a personal tutor, but like a digital one who's always kind of one step ahead, you know, anticipating your challenges and providing the support you need. Okay, I'm starting to get the picture, but how does AI actually do that? How does it know what I need? That's where the magic of algorithms comes in. Algorithms.

(14:06 - 14:15)
Okay, this is starting to sound a bit complicated. It's actually not as complicated as it sounds. So AI algorithms can analyze tons of data about your learning patterns.

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Tons of data. Like what kind of data are we talking about? So it can figure out your strengths, your weaknesses, even your preferred learning styles. Basically how you learn best.

(14:24 - 14:30)
Hmm. That's pretty cool. I never really thought about how my learning style might affect how I use these kinds of platforms.

(14:30 - 14:39)
Yeah. And then based on all this data, the platform can actually tailor the content, the pace, and even the difficulty level of your lessons. Whoa.

(14:39 - 14:46)
So it's like a custom made learning experience. Exactly. It creates a truly personalized learning experience just for you.

(14:46 - 14:53)
Okay. I'm definitely starting to see the appeal of this adaptive learning thing. It sounds way more efficient than just using like a generic textbook or something.

(14:54 - 15:00)
Oh, absolutely. It takes all the guesswork out of studying because you're getting exactly what you need when you need it. Right.

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Because who has time to waste on stuff they already know? Okay. So what about feedback? Does it provide that too? Of course. That's one of the key features of adaptive learning.

(15:10 - 15:25)
It can give you personalized feedback and recommendations on what to focus on next. Like it might suggest specific resources or strategies that would be helpful for you. So it's like having a study buddy who's always got your back, but like a super smart AI powered study buddy.

(15:25 - 15:34)
That's a great analogy. And it's all about optimizing the learning process, making it more engaging, effective, and hopefully even a little bit enjoyable. I'm all for making learning more enjoyable.

(15:35 - 15:46)
Okay. So we've covered adaptive learning. What other ways is AI shaking things up in test prep? Well, let's talk about essay writing because let's be honest, that's usually the part that everyone dreads.

(15:46 - 15:50)
Oh, tell me about it. Yeah. I used to spend hours and hours agonizing over those essays.

(15:50 - 16:06)
I know, right? It can be so time consuming and you're never quite sure if you're doing it right, but guess what? AI can help with that too. Wait, really? How can AI help me write a better essay? Well, it's not about writing the essay for you. It's more about providing feedback and guidance.

(16:07 - 16:13)
There's this thing called automated essay scoring and it's becoming increasingly popular. Okay. I'm intrigued.

(16:13 - 16:20)
Automated essay scoring. So like instead of a teacher reading my essay and giving me a grade, a computer does it. You got it.

(16:20 - 16:31)
AI algorithms are trained to evaluate essays based on a bunch of different factors like your grammar, your vocabulary, how well you organized your ideas, all that good stuff. Okay. I'm trying to wrap my head around this.

(16:31 - 16:42)
So basically you upload your essay and the AI gives you feedback on how to improve it. Exactly. It can tell you if your grammar is off, if you need to use stronger vocabulary, or if your arguments aren't clear enough.

(16:42 - 16:46)
It's like having a virtual writing tutor. That's pretty amazing. Right.

(16:46 - 16:59)
But part of me is wondering, can a computer really understand the nuances of human writing? That's a fair question. And to be honest, it's still a bit of a debate. AI is definitely getting better at understanding language, but it's not perfect.

(17:00 - 17:13)
Yeah. I can see how it might miss some of the subtleties of human expression. But even if it can't fully replicate the judgment of a human grader, it can still provide valuable feedback and it's super consistent and objective, which can be really helpful.

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Right. Because sometimes human graders can be biased or inconsistent, even if they don't mean to be. Exactly.

(17:19 - 17:31)
So automated essay scoring can help create a more level playing field, and it can also save teachers a ton of time. Yeah. I can imagine how much time teachers could save if they didn't have to grade every single essay by hand.

(17:32 - 17:43)
It frees them up to do other things, like provide more personalized support to their students. That makes a lot of sense. So it sounds like AI is becoming a pretty valuable tool in education, not just for students, but for teachers as well.

(17:44 - 17:55)
It's definitely changing the game, and it has the potential to make learning more efficient and effective for everyone involved. But as with any new technology, I imagine there are some challenges and concerns that come along with it. Oh, absolutely.

(17:56 - 18:19)
There are definitely some things we need to be careful about as AI becomes more integrated into education. Like what? What are some of the potential downsides? Well, one concern is the potential for bias. AI algorithms are trained on massive data sets, and if those data sets reflect existing biases in society, then the AI systems can perpetuate and even amplify those biases.

(18:20 - 18:27)
Whoa, that's a scary thought. So it's not just about creating AI, it's about making sure it's fair and equitable. Exactly.

(18:27 - 18:40)
We have to be super mindful of the data that's being used to train these systems and make sure we're mitigating bias as much as possible. Right, because if we're not careful, AI could end up reinforcing existing inequalities instead of helping to break them down. That's a crucial point.

(18:41 - 18:54)
We need to make sure AI is being used to promote equity and create a level playing field for all learners, regardless of their background. That makes a lot of sense. What other concerns are there when it comes to using AI in education? Privacy is another big one.

(18:55 - 19:07)
These AI systems collect a lot of data about students, so we have to make sure the data is being handled responsibly and ethically. Right. We can't just hand over all the sensitive information without thinking about the potential risks.

(19:07 - 19:19)
Absolutely. Data security and privacy should be top priorities whenever we're using AI in education. OK, so it sounds like AI has incredible potential, but it's not a simple solution.

(19:19 - 19:30)
There are a lot of complex social and ethical considerations that we need to be aware of. It's definitely a balancing act. We have to embrace the potential of AI while also being mindful of the potential pitfalls.

(19:30 - 19:36)
Right. It's not just about blindly adopting new technology. It's about using it thoughtfully and responsibly.

(19:37 - 19:53)
It's about finding that sweet spot between innovation and responsibility, making sure that AI is ultimately empowering students, not exploiting them. Well said. And I think that leads perfectly into our next topic, which is some of the criticisms and concerns people have raised about AI in education.

(19:53 - 20:02)
It's important to acknowledge those as well, even though we've been focusing on the positive side so far. Yeah, let's definitely dive into that conversation. It's important to look at all sides of the issue.

(20:02 - 20:10)
OK, so we've explored the amazing potential of AI in language learning and education. It's pretty mind-blowing, really. It really is.

(20:10 - 20:20)
AI is opening up so many doors. But we can't ignore the fact that there are some concerns and criticisms, right? Like any new technology, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Oh, for sure.

(20:21 - 20:27)
It's super important to look at AI critically and think about the potential downsides. Exactly. So let's get into that.

(20:27 - 20:42)
What are some of the criticisms people have raised about using AI in education? Well, one of the big ones is this idea that AI might lead to a dehumanization of education, you know, like making it less personal. Dehumanization. Hmm.

(20:42 - 20:54)
I haven't really thought about it that way. What do you mean by that? Some people are worried that if we rely too much on AI systems, you know, for teaching and grading and stuff, it could create a less human, less connected learning environment. Yeah, I can see that.

(20:54 - 21:04)
Like there's that human element to teaching, the connection between a teacher and a student that's hard to replicate with technology. Right. Teachers do so much more than just deliver information.

(21:04 - 21:11)
They mentor, they support, they inspire. And those are all super important parts of learning. And those are things that AI might struggle with.

(21:11 - 21:18)
Exactly. And then there's also the worry that AI could actually make existing inequalities in education even worse. OK, I'm curious about that one.

(21:19 - 21:39)
How could AI make things less equal? Well, the thing is, AI systems are trained on these huge data sets, right? And those data sets often reflect the biases that already exist in society. So if we're not careful, the AI systems can end up perpetuating those biases and making things even more unfair for certain groups of students. That's a really good point.

(21:39 - 21:53)
So it's not enough to just create AI systems. We have to make sure they're being used fairly and ethically, right? Absolutely. We need to be super conscious of the data that's being used and make sure we're addressing bias head on to create a level playing field for everyone.

(21:53 - 21:59)
We want AI to help close the gap, not widen it. Exactly. And then there's also the issue of access.

(21:59 - 22:10)
You know, we've been talking about how AI has this potential to make education more accessible to more people. But there's also a risk that it could create a new kind of digital divide. Oh, I see what you mean.

(22:10 - 22:20)
Like what if only certain students have access to the best AI powered tools? Exactly. So it's not a simple solution. There are a lot of social and ethical factors to consider.

(22:21 - 22:35)
It's like we're stepping into this whole new world with AI and we need to tread carefully. I think that's a great way to put it. It's crucial to have these open and honest conversations about the potential pitfalls and make sure we're developing guidelines for using AI responsibly and ethically.

(22:36 - 22:45)
So AI is like this super powerful tool, but it's not a magic wand that will fix everything. Exactly. We need to be aware of the limitations and think critically about how we're using it.

(22:45 - 22:59)
It's been such a fascinating journey exploring the world of AI and language learning with you. We've covered so much ground from those innovative teaching methods in Japan to the rise of these incredible AI powered tools that are changing the game. I know.

(22:59 - 23:09)
It's amazing to see how quickly things are evolving. And we've had some really important conversations about the ethical side of AI, making sure it's used to empower learners, not create new problems. Absolutely.

(23:09 - 23:28)
That's got to be the priority. So as we wrap up this deep dive, what are some key takeaways for our listeners? If someone's out there feeling inspired to explore AI powered language learning tools, what advice would you give them? I'd say do your research, try out different platforms and see what clicks for you. There are so many amazing resources out there.

(23:28 - 23:33)
Don't forget to have fun with it. Language learning should be an adventure, not a chore. Exactly.

(23:33 - 23:53)
Stay curious, explore the possibilities. And remember, AI is a tool to help you reach your goals, not a replacement for your own hard work and dedication. And for all the educators out there, keep an open mind about how you can integrate AI into your teaching in a way that benefits your students and enhances their learning experience.

(23:53 - 24:12)
It's such an exciting time to be in education, and I can't wait to see how AI will continue to shape the future of how we teach and learn. This deep dive has been a real eye opener. It's clear that AI is revolutionizing language learning in education, but it's up to us to use it wisely and make sure it serves everyone.

(24:12 - 24:20)
Couldn't agree more. The future is full of possibilities, but we have to make sure we're shaping it in a way that's ethical and equitable. Well said.

(24:20 - 24:30)
This has been another fantastic deep dive. Thanks to everyone for listening, and we'll catch you next time for another exploration of the world of language and learning. Until then, keep those brains buzzing.