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If AI can translate instantly, why learn another language?

If AI can translate instantly, why learn another language?

From live speech translation in video calls to auto-dubbing on TikTok, the technology to dissolve language barriers has arrived.

Real-time translation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is now embedded in everyday life.
Tools from OpenAI, Meta, Google and many others now offer near-instant translation across dozens of languages, and they keep improving.

All this raises a vital question. If machines can do this faster and more accurately than humans, is investing years in learning another language still worth it? The logic is appealing. Humans have always offloaded cognitive work onto tools. Writing reduced demands on our memory. Calculators removed the burden of mental arithmetic. AI sits within this long tradition. Used well, it can support learning and expand access in ways that matter enormously.

But there’s a difference between using a tool to extend your capabilities and using it to avoid doing something altogether. That distinction becomes important when you are not just replacing a skill, but a form of cognitive and cultural engagement.

The effort is the point

Effort plays a central role in how we acquire knowledge.
Psychologists use the phrase “desirable difficulties” to describe challenges that may feel inefficient, but produce stronger long-term retention and understanding.

AI may help you understand a language.But learning one helps you understand people. AI may help you understand a language. But learning one helps you understand people (Source: Pexels)

Struggling with grammar, searching for the right word, or constructing meaning across multiple languages engages brain networks that support memory, attention and cognitive flexibility. Over time, they consolidate knowledge far more deeply than passive exposure.

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Sustained mental engagement contributes to what researchers call cognitive resilience – the brain’s capacity to maintain function as we age. Managing multiple languages is one form of this engagement. It requires the brain to resolve competition, monitor context and adapt dynamically.
These are not trivial demands. And they’re difficult to achieve if you just use translation tools passively, such as resolving the meaning of a foreign phrase with the click of a button.

What multilingualism research actually shows

The evidence on multilingualism is often presented as a simple “bilingual advantage”, a shorthand that obscures a more complicated picture. Some studies report benefits for attention or working memory, while others find no differences. The truth appears to be more selective.

Our recent study examined cognitive performance in 94 adults aged 18 to 83, using both visuospatial and auditory tasks across working memory, attention and inhibition. Put simply, we looked at how people process and respond to information they see or mentally map out in space (visuospatial) and information they hear (auditory). Examples include remembering sounds, focusing on visual patterns, or ignoring distractions.

Language learning was never just about words.It was always about perspective. Language learning was never just about words. It was always about perspective (Source: Pexels)

Our study measured multilingualism as a spectrum, not a category. This allowed us to capture diverse language backgrounds and experiences. Multilingual participants spoke a range of languages with varying levels of proficiency and daily use, reflecting the linguistic diversity common within multicultural communities.

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Across most tasks, multilinguals and monolinguals performed similarly. However, one pattern was striking. Individuals with richer, more diverse multilingual experience showed markedly better performance in visuospatial working memory. These effects were most pronounced in older people.

This suggests that multilingual experience doesn’t broadly enhance cognition, like some headlines claim. Instead, it may help preserve specific functions over time.

Separate population-level research has also linked multilingualism to later onset of Alzheimer’s disease and better overall ageing outcomes, though the mechanisms continue to be debated. Overall, however, it appears that sustained use of multiple languages represents a form of mental activity with effects that accumulate across a lifetime.

What AI translation can’t replicate

AI translation excels at speed and accessibility. For many practical purposes, it works remarkably well. But it operates through pattern recognition, not lived understanding. It can struggle with cultural context, humour, register and emotionally embedded meaning, especially for languages with less representation in training data.

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At best, AI captures literal dimensions of language while missing social ones. Consider the scene in the 2003 film Love Actually where Jamie, played by Colin Firth, delivers an awkward but sincere proposal to Aurelia in broken Portuguese.

It is moving because of the effort, vulnerability and intent his imperfect words carry. Resort to real-time translation software and what remains is information, not expression.

This is the deeper distinction: translation is not the same as participation. Learning a language involves understanding how people think, their values, and how meaning is shaped by context and history. This cultural literacy develops through interaction and experience. We can’t fully outsource that to systems that translate on demand.

The multilingual participants in our research spoke to this directly: I definitely think in Telugu, but I remember numbers and count using English.

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Afrikaans is the language of my heart and best used to express intense emotion. English is the language of business and used mostly in everyday life.

These are not descriptions of switching between translation modes. They are descriptions of inhabiting different selves.

AI will continue to change how we engage with language learning. It can personalise instruction, minimise barriers and provide feedback at scale. What it can’t do is replace the cognitive and cultural work that comes from learning a language. This work leads to a deeper relationship with how other people see the world, and with how you express yourself. And that difference still matters.

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Can a pre-diabetic stop taking Metformin by eating garlic instead?

Can a pre-diabetic stop taking Metformin by eating garlic instead?

3 min readNew DelhiMay 18, 2026 09:28 AM IST

Garlic has long been valued in traditional medicine, and some studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. So, can a pre-diabetic stop taking Metformin by eating garlic instead? Answering this Quora query, Dr Pranav Ghody, a consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, dispelled the myth and said that garlic cannot replace metformin or any medication prescribed for pre-diabetes. “Pre-diabetes indicates the body is starting to face insulin resistance. While lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, weight management, stress control, and proper sleep can improve blood sugar levels, depending on a single food like garlic is not safe or scientifically valid,” said Dr Ghody.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Notably, Metformin helps by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production. “Its effects are well-studied and monitored by medical professionals. Garlic might provide health benefits, but it does not have the same reliable impact.”

In fact, adding more garlic while “neglecting other lifestyle changes or stopping medication without guidance can delay proper treatment and increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes”.

Many people with pre-diabetes can reduce or even stop medication over time, but this typically results from lasting lifestyle changes, not from consuming one ‘superfood’. “A balanced diet with fibre, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins is much more effective than focusing on individual remedies,” said Dr Ghody.

garlic Stop relying on one-stop measures (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

There is also a growing trend of promoting kitchen ingredients as “natural cures”. “People should be careful with these claims. Natural does not always mean effective or safe for everyone. Consuming excessive garlic may lead to acidity, bloating, interactions with blood thinners, or worsen gastric issues in some people,” said Dr Ghody.

prediabetes Do not rely on supplementary methods (Photo: Quora)

The best approach is personalised care. “If blood sugar levels improve through weight loss, exercise, and diet, a doctor may reconsider the need for medication. However, stopping metformin on your own and replacing it with garlic is not a good idea,” reiterated Dr Ghody.

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Think of garlic as a healthy addition to your meals, not a replacement for medical treatment.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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Chunky Panday hustles for muscle; trainer shares a glimpse

Chunky Panday hustles for muscle; trainer shares a glimpse

3 min readNew DelhiMay 18, 2026 06:00 AM IST

Actor Chunky Panday, 63, was recently seen working out at the gym, doing a range of bodyweight exercises, including push-upsand weight training. “Hustle for the muscle @chunkypanday,” wrote Panday’s trainer Rohan Apte on his Instagram.

“The push-ups and dumbbell chest press primarily target the chest, shoulders, and triceps, helping build upper body strength and improve functional pushing movements. The chest press, where he lies on a bench and presses dumbbells upward, is especially effective for controlled strength building,” said consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

This highlights a refreshing and realistic approach to staying active with age. “Instead of chasing extreme transformations, his routine reflects consistency, functional movement, and sustainability, which are the real pillars of long-term fitness,” said Goyal.

From a clinical perspective, workouts at this stage of life should focus on maintaining muscle mass, improving joint mobility, and supporting cardiovascular health. “With increasing age, there is a natural decline in muscle strength and flexibility. Regular movement, even if moderate in intensity, helps slow down this process and supports daily functioning,” said Goyal.

What stands out in his routine is the emphasis on controlled movements rather than high-intensity strain. “Exercises that focus on balance, coordination, and stability are especially important because they reduce the risk of injuries and support better posture. This kind of training is more sustainable and easier to maintain over time,” said Goyal.

Another important factor is metabolic health. “Staying active helps improve insulin sensitivity, supports weight management, and reduces the risk of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and heart disease. Even short, consistent workouts can have a significant impact when done regularly.”

Nutrition continues to play a key supporting role. “Adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle mass, while proper hydration and micronutrients support recovery and energy levels.”

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fitness What does your routine look like? (Photo: Freepik)

What his routine reflects is a mindset shift. “Fitness is not about intensity at every stage of life. It is about consistency that you can sustain,” Goyal shared.

You don’t need extreme workouts to stay fit. “You need regular movement that your body can maintain consistently,” said Goyal.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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5 dangerous places on Earth that people still pay to visit

5 dangerous places on Earth that people still pay to visit

3 min readNew DelhiMay 17, 2026 11:00 PM IST

Adventure tourism is no longer limited to beaches and mountain retreats. Around the world, travellers are increasingly drawn to places known for extreme temperatures, dangerous terrain, toxic environments, and harsh survival conditions. Despite the risks, these destinations continue to fascinate people seeking unique experiences and natural wonders.

Here are five of the most hostile natural places on Earth, and why tourists still visit them.

1. Death Valley

Death Valley holds the record for some of the highest temperatures ever recorded on Earth, with summer temperatures often crossing 50°C. The dry desert environment, scarce water sources, and extreme heat make survival difficult.

Yet tourists visit for its surreal salt flats, dramatic desert landscapes, colourful canyons, and stargazing opportunities. Winter and early spring are considered the safest times to explore the region.

2. Danakil Depression

The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most geologically active places in the world. The region contains acidic hot springs, toxic gases, salt plains, and brightly coloured hydrothermal fields that resemble another planet. Despite the extreme heat and dangerous volcanic activity, travellers visit for its rare geological formations and otherworldly scenery that few places on Earth can match.

Danakil Depression Danakil Depression (Photo: Wikipedia)

3. Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. Temperatures can fall drastically, and the isolated environment poses serious survival challenges.

Still, tourists travel there to witness massive icebergs, glaciers, penguin colonies, whales, and untouched polar landscapes. Expedition cruises have made Antarctica one of the most sought-after bucket-list destinations for adventure travellers.

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4. Mount Everest

Mount Everest remains one of the world’s most dangerous tourist destinations due to avalanches, extreme altitude, oxygen deprivation, and unpredictable weather conditions. Despite the risks, climbers from across the globe continue attempting the summit for personal achievement, adventure, and the prestige associated with conquering the world’s tallest mountain.

5. Snake Island

Officially known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, Snake Island is home to thousands of venomous golden lancehead snakes, making it one of the deadliest islands in the world. Public access is heavily restricted by Brazilian authorities. Although tourists cannot freely explore the island, its terrifying reputation continues to attract global fascination through documentaries, researchers, and adventure storytelling.

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With my mom: Vikas Khanna opens up about his last meal and the comfort of methi aloo

With my mom: Vikas Khanna opens up about his last meal and the comfort of methi aloo

3 min readNew DelhiMay 17, 2026 10:00 PM IST

Michelin-star chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna — who recently made TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world —shared some of the best places and dishes in India that have shaped his culinary journey.

In a conversation with Culinary Culture Reco, Khanna named several food destinations in India that he believes every food enthusiast should experience at least once. Among them were Sasuma in Surat and two iconic food hubs in Indore: Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan. He also emphasised that Indore has a food scene that remains widely underestimated despite its rich culinary heritage.

Khanna further pointed to the dosa as one Indian dish that New York has embraced, but still does not fully understand. When asked about the best dish he has created, Khanna chose Dahi Ke Kebab, a popular appetiser in North India and a wedding staple, for its delicate texture and balance of flavours.

When asked about his New York restaurant, Bungalow, he shared that for him, it means “promise” to him.

Among the places he visits quietly, away from social media, Khanna mentioned Veselka, a well-known Ukrainian restaurant in New York’s East Village. He also named Russ & Daughters among his go-to dining spots in the city.

Khanna also said one chef in India he deeply respects is Sanjeev Kapoor. When homesick, he turns to a simple plate of methi aloo, a dish that reminds him of home. Asked about his last meal, the chef answered, “with my mom.”

Reflecting on Indian cuisine as a whole, Khanna said that what sets India apart from other food cultures is its extraordinary hospitality. “I have never witnessed any country with this level of hospitality,” he said.

Watch here:

Chef Gautam Kapoor, a consultant chef with 30 years of experience, revealed the specific ingredients or spice blends unique to Indore that people don’t talk about enough. “Indore offers a hidden treasure known as Jeeravan Masala—a fantastic, slightly bolder version of a seasoning sprinkle,” he said.

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Explaining the difference between a regular Chaat Masala and Jeeravan Masala, Chef Kapoor said, “While Chaat Masala relies heavily on Amchoor (dried mango powder) and black salt for its tanginess, Jeeravan Masala offers a more complex profile. It provides a unique combination of flavours, blending the tang of Chaat Masala with the warmth of Garam Masala, roasted cumin, and a hint of clove.”

“The incorporation of these diverse spices creates a deep, multi-layered taste that makes Jeeravan incredibly interesting. It is this specific balance that gives Indori cuisine its signature kick,” he added.

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Keep or extract: How to know if your wisdom teeth are actually trouble

Keep or extract: How to know if your wisdom teeth are actually trouble

4 min readNew DelhiMay 17, 2026 09:00 PM IST

It is a common belief that wisdom teeth need to be extracted. It almost feels inevitable and scary to many. But do all wisdom teeth actually need to be extracted? Not necessarily, experts say.

Dr Tanu Gupta, Senior Consultant – Dental Science, ShardaCare–Healthcity, explains that some people can safely keep their wisdom teeth for life if the teeth grow properly and do not create dental problems.“If the tooth is healthy, properly aligned, fully erupted, and easy to clean, it can safely remain for life,” Dr Gupta assures.

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, usually during the late teens or twenties. The problem is that many people simply do not have enough space in their jaw.

This lack of space can lead to crowding, swelling, infections, pain, or damage to nearby teeth.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

How do you know if a wisdom tooth is causing trouble?

According to Dr Gupta, problematic wisdom teeth often cause noticeable symptoms such as “pain at the back of the mouth, swelling in the gums, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, headache, jaw pain, or repeated infections.”

Food can sometimes get trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth, increasing the risk of gum infections and swelling.

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However, experts warn that not all problematic wisdom teeth hurt immediately. In some cases, silent damage may continue inside the mouth without obvious symptoms.

That is why dental X-rays and regular check-ups become important. “If you notice persistent discomfort, swelling, or difficulty chewing, it is best to consult a dentist early before complications worsen.”

wisdom teeth A problematic wisdom tooth may cause pain at the back of the mouth, swelling in the gums, bad breath, etc (Image: Pexels)

Is it better to remove wisdom teeth early?

Dentists sometimes recommend removing wisdom teeth before pain even starts — especially if scans show future complications are likely.

“Younger patients usually heal faster, and the procedure tends to be easier before the roots fully develop.”

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Dr Gupta explains that if a wisdom tooth is impacted, growing sideways, or likely to damage nearby teeth, early removal may help prevent bigger problems later.

At the same time not every wisdom tooth requires preventive extraction. The decision usually depends on the tooth’s position, available jaw space, oral hygiene, and overall risk of future complications.

What happens if impacted wisdom teeth are ignored?

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth trapped partially or completely under the gums or jawbone. If left untreated for long periods, they can trigger repeated infections, severe pain, gum disease, tooth decay, swelling, bad breath, and even damage nearby healthy teeth.

“In some cases, cysts may form around the impacted tooth, affecting the jawbone over time,” the dentist cautions.

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Some people may not notice symptoms initially, but internal damage can still quietly progress.

Delaying treatment for severely impacted wisdom teeth may eventually lead to more complex dental procedures and longer recovery later on.

That is why dentists recommend regular monitoring rather than assuming every wisdom tooth is harmless — or that every wisdom tooth automatically needs removal.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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