Since my last post about learning Spanish, my tools and workflows have improved significantly. I aim to keep up with new tools like ChatGPT and adapt them to suit my needs in the most convenient and efficient ways. I want to share these tools and workflows with you so that you can take inspiration or adapt them based on your preferences and goals.
Language Pal Custom GPT
I created a custom GPT, which I call "Language Pal," tailored to act as a tutor and teacher for both English and Spanish. This Custom GPT can add words directly to my flashcards app of choice from the ChatGPT interface, whether on phone or desktop. Combining these two tools makes adding and reviewing flashcards quick and seamless, allowing me to focus on what matters most: learning.
upd 14 Sep 2025
I’ve built my own app that allows creating flashcards via chat with AI.
Practical Use Cases
1. Recording and Transcribing Conversations
I used to record some of my calls in Spanish, like those for booking doctor’s appointments in Spain (new built-in feature for iOS 18). Afterward, I transcribe these recordings, review them, and add unknown words to my flashcards using Language Pal. This retrospective approach helped me learn from real-life situations and my mistakes.
Potential Expansion: When I feel more motivated to improve my language skills, I am considering recording tutoring sessions (with permission), analyzing mistakes, and creating exercises based on recurring errors.
2. Preparing for Challenging Experiences
Before watching "A Quiet Place" movie in Spanish, which was a challenge given my language level at the time, I downloaded subtitle file from the internet and asked ChatGPT to extract 100 unfamiliar words and complex grammar points appropriate for my level. I then added over 50% of these to my flashcards for further study. This preparation made the movie experience much more engaging and educational.
3. Daily Practice and Preparing for Social Interactions
My practice happens on a daily basis, without any specific schedule. Whenever I feel like saying something or find myself in a situation that requires Spanish, I might ask ChatGPT to help me express it. If I realize I made a mistake in what I said, I can revisit and correct it. Writing also occurs naturally in my daily life, and consistently refining my messages with ChatGPT helps me make steady progress.
Before specific social interactions, like visiting a doctor or speaking with native speakers, I often ask ChatGPT for help. For example, if I have a doctor’s appointment, I explain the context to ChatGPT—describing my issue and the kind of conversation I might have. ChatGPT expands my vocabulary and suggests words or phrases I’m likely to use. This allows me to practice relevant vocabulary beforehand, giving me more confidence during the interaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, my approach revolves around preparing for specific experiences and reflecting on them afterward.
PS: I haven’t provided specific details on creating this custom GPT or how to integrate it because this topic is better suited for a detailed YouTube video or an in-depth article with step-by-step instructions. If you’re interested, I recommend exploring ChatGPT guidance and watching relevant YouTube tutorials for more in-depth explanations. This article is meant to inspire rather than instruct.
PSS: Due to a known issue with ChatGPT, I had to create a custom proxy server to resolve the problem. For more details on the bug, you can refer to this OpenAI Community Thread.