Kindle combined with ChatGPT is an effective way to learn a new language

Language learning apps like Duolingo can only get you so far. Books are a great way to explore a new language. Once you've learned some basic vocabulary, many people start using their Kindle (or any e-reader) with ChatGPT to turn passive reading into active learning.

Interactive vocabulary building

The highlighting/annotation feature on Kindle is incredibly useful when reading books. If you're starting out in Spanish, pick up the Spanish version of a Kindle book you enjoyed in English as a child (e.g., The Adventures of Tom Sawyer). You can also start with a simple book. Look for bilingual versions so you can compare vocabulary.

As you read, highlight any unfamiliar Spanish words or phrases that confuse you. Look them up by switching your Kindle's Dictionary to Spanish to English and setting up the Translate tool .

Instead of storing these words in a static list, copy them into ChatGPT. Then, ask it to explain the meaning, provide example sentences, and describe the nuances of each word. For example, when you come across "mientras tanto," type:

Explain the phrase "mientras tanto" and give me three example sentences. 

Rough translation : Explain the phrase "mientras tanto" and give me 3 example sentences.

You can tell ChatGPT to go beyond dictionary definitions, showing you how native speakers use words in different contexts, helping you remember them better. This approach transforms vocabulary learning from mechanical memorization to meaningful connections that you can recall naturally.

As always, ask ChatGPT to be an expert for the best responses.

Note : While the Kindle has its advantages, you don't necessarily need it to learn a new language. Since ChatGPT isn't built into Amazon's eReader, any other eReader will work just as well.

Using AI as a tutor for complex sentences

As a language learner, long sentences are difficult to grasp. With Kindle, copy the entire difficult sentence and paste it into ChatGPT for help. An easier way to ease your difficulty is to ask ChatGPT to simplify each step. The patience to solve the problem will be yours alone.

Explain this sentence in simple English and point out any grammar rules I should notice. 

Explain this sentence in simple English and point out any grammar rules you should pay attention to.

ChatGPT analyzes sentences, shows you how each part works, and gives you simpler examples. Just like in the real world, a personal tutor makes complex grammar less intimidating. Instead of guessing or skipping over difficult passages, you can dig deeper and understand the structure.

This tutorial is helpful because you can then learn grammar in context, tied to the stories you are reading.

Combine to learn nuances and practice pronunciation

Reading is only one part of learning a language. With foreign languages, pronunciation and speaking are always more difficult. Start using ChatGPT to get phonetic spellings and pronunciation tips for difficult words and sentences you find in Kindle books.

For example, ask:

How do I pronounce [this Spanish word]? Please provide a phonetic transcription and tips on tricky sounds. 

How do I pronounce [this Spanish word]? Please provide transcriptions and tips for difficult sounds .

While ChatGPT can't create live audio recordings, it can point you to some great resources where you can hear native speakers pronounce words or phrases. Combine this practice with audio from Translate for Kindle or YouTube videos of native speakers.

With some tools, you can slow down the speech, which is helpful. Then, practice following along by imitating the rhythm and intonation. While Kindle doesn't have native audio for every book, ChatGPT can fill in the gap with some pronunciation guides.

ChatGPT Roleplay Request

Memorizing vocabulary is not enough if you don't actively use it. To solve this problem, use ChatGPT's Live Voice to immerse yourself with live language translation.

Try role-playing a character in the book to make it more interesting. For example, ask:

Let's role-play a conversation with a character from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Use these words: nino, escuela, small, dia, Iglesia, grande, rio. 

Role -play a conversation with a character from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Use these words: nino, escuela, small, dia, Iglesia, grande, rio.

When prompted, ChatGPT lets you choose a character, prompts you for a response, and guides the conversation naturally. It can be any variation of the above prompt. Have fun with it! This interactive exercise helps you practice in real life without feeling self-conscious. It also highlights (sometimes huge) gaps in your knowledge that you can fix immediately.

Role-playing makes language learning sessions come alive and relevant. You'll find it easier to remember vocabulary when you use it in context rather than just reading or writing it.

Create tests and flashcards from your highlights

To reinforce what you've learned, turn your exported Kindle highlights into quizzes and flashcards using ChatGPT. Ask it to:

Create a 10-question multiple-choice quiz based on these Spanish words: [list of words]. 

Create a 10-question multiple-choice test based on the following Spanish words: [list of words].

Or:

Make flashcards with the Spanish words and their English meanings from this list. 

Create flashcards with Spanish words and their English meanings in this list.

These tests test you frequently and force active recall, which strengthens your memory more than rereading. Flashcards allow you to review on the go, making them perfect for short breaks throughout the day. Of course, you have to create flashcards manually or in an AI flashcard generator.

Sometimes, ask ChatGPT to space out your tests for better recall, so you review difficult words multiple times. You can remind ChatGPT to follow spaced repetition principles. This system isn't perfect, but even an imperfect system can help keep your vocabulary fresh.

The combination of Kindle and ChatGPT is changing the way people approach language learning. Kindle gives you engaging stories and easy tools to grasp new words and sentences. ChatGPT enriches it with explanations, personalized practice, and interactive tools to keep you motivated and confident.

There are a few other ways to use ChatGPT to learn a new language. If you're learning on your own, this method allows you to learn at your own pace without having to travel and immerse yourself in the local culture.

David Pac

Update 27 May 2025