I'm excited to be about to interact with my new Indonesian language tutor. I asked Gemini the following:
I want to practise listening to Indonesian native speakers and trying to respond correctly to what they are saying. I would like to have the ability to change the speed at which the speaker is speaking and also the level of difficulty. So I'm looking for an interactive experience that I can moderate by adjusting the speed of the speaker and the level of difficulty. Is there some way to set this up using any of Gemini's tools. I don't really want to sign up to a language course. I'd just like to practise listening and responding to conversational Indonesian. I am a native English speaker with a basic level of proficiency in speaking but not so good at listening. Can you set me on the right path.
The good news is that you absolutely can do this with the standard Gemini mobile app, specifically using the Gemini Live feature.
You do not need a paid course. You can build your own "interactive language lab" by combining Gemini's voice mode with specific instructions (prompts) that control the speed and difficulty.
Here is the step-by-step setup to turn Gemini into your adjustable Indonesian tutor.
The Tool: Gemini Live
You need the Gemini App on your phone (Android or iOS).
Why: The standard text chat is okay, but "Gemini Live" (the waveform icon usually in the bottom corner) allows for a flowing, back-and-forth voice conversation where you can interrupt, pause, and speak naturally without hitting "send" every time.
Step 1: Set the "System" (The Prompt)
Before you start the voice mode, it is best to type or say this initial instruction to "program" Gemini's behavior. This sets the difficulty and the speed rules.
Copy and paste (or say) this prompt to Gemini:
"I want to practice my Indonesian listening and speaking skills. I am a native English speaker with a basic level of proficiency.
Please act as my Indonesian conversation partner.
Role: You are a patient, friendly native speaker.
Topic: We will chat about daily life (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions, hobbies).
Difficulty: Use simple vocabulary (A1/A2 level) and short sentences.
Speed: Please speak slowly and clearly. Articulate every word distinctively.
Correction: If I make a mistake, gently correct me in English, then encourage me to try again in Indonesian.
Do you understand? Let's start with a simple greeting."
Step 2: Adjusting Variables "On the Fly"
Once the conversation starts, you can verbally moderate the experience just like you asked. You don't need to go into settings menus; you just talk to Gemini.
To change Speed:
“You are speaking too fast. Please slow down by 50%.”
“Can you say that again, but much slower?”
“Okay, I’m ready for normal speed now.”
To change Difficulty:
“That word was too complex. Can you use simpler words?”
“Let’s level up. Talk to me like you would a friend in Jakarta (use slang/colloquialisms).”
To Check Understanding:
“I didn’t catch that. Can you repeat it in English?”
3 "Pro Tips" for Listening Practice
The "Echo" Method: Ask Gemini to say a phrase, then you repeat it, and ask Gemini to rate your pronunciation.
You: "How do I say 'I would like a coffee'?"
Gemini: "Saya mau pesan kopi."
You: [Repeat it] "How was my accent?"
Ask for Transcriptions: If you hear a word you don't know, look at the screen. Gemini Live often provides a text transcript of the chat history so you can read what you just heard.
Roleplay Scenarios: Instead of random chat, give Gemini a specific scenario.
"Pretend you are a Gojek driver and you can't find my house. Call me and ask for directions in simple Indonesian."
Next Step
Would you like me to generate a list of 5 beginner-friendly roleplay scenarios (like "At the Warung" or "Meeting a new neighbor") that you can use to start your first session?
Here are 5 beginner-friendly roleplay scenarios tailored for practicing listening and responding in Indonesian.
You can read the "The Setup" directly to Gemini to start the simulation. I have designed these to focus on common situations you will encounter in Indonesia.
1. The Warung (Small Shop) Visit
Focus: Listening to numbers (prices) and food vocabulary.
The Setup: "Let's do a roleplay. You are the owner of a small Warung in Jakarta. I am a customer coming in for lunch. Greet me, tell me what food is available today (use simple dishes like Nasi Goreng or Ayam Penyet), and ask me what I want to drink. Speak slowly."
Your Goal: Order one food item and one drink, then ask for the bill (Minta bon or Berapa harganya?).
2. The Confused Gojek/Grab Driver
Focus: Listening to location questions and simple directions.
The Setup: "Roleplay mode: You are a Gojek driver picking me up, but you can't find my specific location. Call me (simulated voice) and ask me politely where I am standing. Ask me if I am near a specific landmark, like the Indomaret or the Blue Mosque."
Your Goal: Listen to where the driver thinks you are, correct them, and tell them you are wearing a specific color shirt (e.g., Saya pakai baju merah).
3. Meeting a New Neighbor
Focus: Basic introductions and personal pronouns.
The Setup: "Roleplay mode: You are my new neighbor in Bali. You see me outside my house and want to introduce yourself. Ask me my name, where I come from, and how long I have been in Indonesia. Keep the questions simple."
Your Goal: Successfully answer the three questions and ask the neighbor one question back (e.g., Siapa nama kamu?).
4. Buying Fruit at the Pasar (Market)
Focus: Listening to quantities and bargaining (optional).
The Setup: "Roleplay mode: We are at a traditional market (Pasar). You are selling mangoes and bananas. I will ask you the price. Please tell me the price per kilo, and ask me how many kilos I want to buy."
Your Goal: Ask the price (Berapa harga mangga sekilo?), listen to the answer, and then say that is too expensive (Wah, mahal sekali!) to see how the seller responds.
5. At the Pharmacy (Apotek)
Focus: Listening to simple health vocabulary and instructions.
The Setup: "Roleplay mode: I have a headache and I am at the Apotek. You are the pharmacist. Ask me what I am feeling and how long I have been sick. Then recommend a medicine for me."
Your Goal: Describe a simple symptom (Saya sakit kepala or Saya demam) and understand the dosage instructions the pharmacist gives you (e.g., Minum dua kali sehari - Drink two times a day).
Essential "Emergency" Phrases
Since your focus is listening, here are three phrases to control the experience during the roleplay if Gemini gets too fast:
"Maaf, bisa bicara lebih pelan?" (Sorry, can you speak slower?)
"Bisa ulangi lagi?" (Can you repeat that again?)
"Apa artinya [word]?" (What does [word] mean?)
Would you like to try Scenario 1 right now? You can just open Gemini Live and say the setup prompt!
I'll begin tomorrow!
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