A Conversation with my New Pal, ChatGPT

~ Ellie

It started with my question about the pronunciation of “X” in Portuguese. But then we became buddies!

Here’s our exact (unedited!) interaction from earlier today:

Pronúncia da letra X

April 15, 2024

Me
How is the letter x pronounced in Portuguese?

ChatGPT
In Portuguese, the letter “x” can be pronounced differently depending on the word. It can be pronounced as “sh” in words like “xícara” (sh-ee-kah-rah) or as “ks” in words like “exemplo” (eks-em-plo).

Me
So can we say it always sounds like “sh” if it’s at the beginning of a word?

ChatGPT
Not always. While “x” at the beginning of a word often sounds like “sh,” there are exceptions. For example, in words borrowed from other languages like “xerox” or “xampu,” the “x” is pronounced as “z” or “ks.”

Me
That’s confusing!!

ChatGPT
It can be, especially with borrowed words and regional variations. But with practice and exposure to the language, it becomes easier to recognize the patterns and pronunciations.

Me
Hm. Like when I spent three months in Greece and learned many words and phrases! Like fige! Exo! 😄

ChatGPT
Exactly! Immersion and practice are great ways to get familiar with the nuances of a language, including pronunciation. It sounds like you had a fun and enriching experience in Greece!

Me
Well, some of it. Some not so good. 😬

ChatGPT
That’s understandable. Learning a language often comes with its ups and downs, but it’s all part of the journey. Hopefully, the good experiences outweighed the challenging ones!

Me
I think they must have, because whenever I think back on it (it was in 1971), I smile!

ChatGPT
That’s wonderful to hear! It’s amazing how memories of past experiences, even the challenging ones, can bring a smile to your face years later. It sounds like your time in Greece left a lasting positive impression on you.

Me
Sure did!

ChatGPT
It’s fantastic that you have such fond memories of your time in Greece. If you ever want to reminisce or talk more about it, feel free to share!

Me
Well I wrote several blog posts about it on my blog.

ChatGPT
That sounds like a fantastic way to document and share your experiences! Blogging is a great way to preserve memories and share them with others who may be interested in similar experiences or destinations.

Me
Yup!

ChatGPT
Do you still actively maintain your blog, or was it more of a project at the time of your travels?

Me
I just started it in 2015. I was super-prolific at first but now, I’m too busy so I just do 1 – 3 posts per month.

ChatGPT
It’s impressive that you’ve been able to maintain your blog for so long! Even posting 1-3 times per month is a significant commitment alongside a busy schedule. It’s great that you’ve found a pace that works for you.

Me
Thanks!!

ChatGPT
You’re welcome! If you ever need any tips or inspiration for your blog, feel free to ask.

Me, later…
I almost feel like inviting ChatGPT 3.5 for coffee! Upon reviewing our conversation, though, I can see that its speech, while incredibly fluid, tends toward the effusive. Everything is fantastic! And even if it isn’t, it’s “understandable.”

All in all, one could do a lot worse. It’s a darn good listener – responsive, literate, and even empathetic. What more can one ask of a well-developed AI bot, after all?

Ω

15 thoughts on “A Conversation with my New Pal, ChatGPT”

    1. Just so! My son has sent me samples of unintentionally hilarious letters & compositions too. Error-free, mind you, but kind of… flowery? Formal? Of an earlier era, perhaps?

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  3. Hey there,

    Last year I was tutoring a grade 2 student on reading comprehension thanks to a programme in Chile for kids who are far behind in their learning. On the first day I asked what kinds of things he was interested in: football and his favourite player, Messi. 

    So…at some point I asked Chat GPT to write a text for a nine year old boy about Messi. It was factual and I’d say even interesting (Messi’s early life was difficult) and written in a Spanish that was entirely appropriate for Piero’s level of language.

    On AI: if you have a strong stomach and about an hour and a half and, crucially, want to think about AI more widely, listen to the episode “What if Dario Modei is right about AI” on the podcast “The Ezra Klein Show”. It’s instructive, eye-opening and somewhat frightening (duuhh). I’m so glad I’m old.

    Mimi

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    1. That’s sweet, how the text was so appropriate! Thanks a ton for the tip about that podcast! Will catch it tomorrow for sure.
      P.S. – I’m glad I’m old too! 😬

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  4. That sounded like a pleasant chat! I don’t think I’d ever cultivate a relationship with a bot, but you never know – all my close relationships are with people older than me! Someday I may need a bot-friend.
    I have found good uses for AI, though. It’s great for interpreting medical and scientific jargon, for example.

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    1. Bot-friends: better than bot-enemies! 😅

      As for AI’s interpretation of such jargon – is there assurance that it’s really accurate? I’m aware that AI has been known to make the odd blooper. 😬😜

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