Can trust be built using AI translation?

83% of teachers said speaking in one's own words is essential for trust. Relying solely on AI creates emotional distance.

Where are Native Camp's teachers from?

1,173 native teachers from over 140 countries, offering diverse cultural perspectives.

What are the benefits of speaking in your own English?

97% of teachers reported positive feelings, as it conveys sincerity, effort, and passion.

Native Camp Survey: 97% of Foreign Instructors Favor 'My English' Despite AI Translation Era – Insights from 140 Countries

Published Jun 21, 2026 1:00 AM ・ Updated Jun 20, 2026 6:05 PM ・ 14 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Native Camp conducted a survey of 1,173 foreign instructors from 140 countries, revealing that 97% feel positive toward Japanese learners who speak English in their own words—even with imperfect grammar. In building trust or conveying passion, 83% prefer authentic self-expression over AI translation, highlighting the enduring value of human connection in language learning.

Native Camp Inc. (Shibuya City, Tokyo; CEO: Kunihira Tanikawa), operator of the unlimited-lesson online English conversation service 'Native Camp English Conversation,' has conducted a survey of 1,173 foreign instructors from 140 countries on the value of English learning in the age of AI translation and AI-powered conversation tools.

Survey Summary

The results show that 97% of respondents feel positively toward Japanese people who attempt to speak English in their own words, even if their grammar is imperfect. Additionally, 83% support communication using 'one's own words' over AI translation when building trust or expressing passion.

On the other hand, 53% of respondents answered 'very good' or 'somewhat positive' regarding being addressed by Japanese speakers using AI translation devices or apps, indicating a certain level of approval for AI as a tool for conveying accurate information. Rather than rejecting AI outright, the findings suggest the importance of context-appropriate use—leveraging AI for information sharing and task communication, while prioritizing personal expression when building relationships.

Survey Overview

・Target: Foreign instructors affiliated with Native Camp from 140 countries

・Respondents: 1,173 instructors

・Survey Period: May 21–25, 2026

・Method: Online survey

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest second decimal place and displayed to one decimal place.

※ For multiple-choice questions, the total response rate may exceed 100%.

The Value of 'Human-Like Communication' in the AI Era

Advancements in AI translation and AI conversation tools are lowering language barriers more than ever. In both business and daily life, the use of AI for information sharing and conveying messages is expected to grow further.

However, in the increasingly globalized fields of business and international exchange, it's not just about accurate communication—'how to build trust with others' is becoming ever more important. In an era where AI supports efficient communication, the value of looking someone in the eye and conveying thoughts and passion in one’s own words is being re-examined.

Native Camp leveraged its environment of daily interaction with foreign instructors from 140 countries to explore the value of speaking English in 'one’s own words' as AI translation and AI conversation tools become more accessible. This survey targeted 1,173 foreign instructors to investigate the value of English learning in the age of AI.

Survey Results

How do you feel when Japanese people use AI translation devices or apps to speak to you in business or daily situations? (Single choice)

53% answered 'very good' or 'somewhat positive.'

AI translation tools were viewed positively as a means to break language barriers, facilitate smooth information sharing, and convey accurate content.

However, a notable number answered 'neither,' suggesting that while convenient, some perceive a sense of discomfort in real-time conversations when relying on AI.

In real communication, when comparing a Japanese speaker using an 'AI translation device' versus speaking in their own English (even if awkward or grammatically incorrect), how do you perceive the effectiveness of each in conveying meaning?

In situations requiring 'accurate transmission of information,' about 30% supported AI translation.

In contrast, 83% supported speaking in 'one’s own words' when 'building trust' or 'conveying passion.'

These results indicate that while AI translation plays a role in accurate information delivery, personal expression is highly valued in communication aimed at building trust and conveying emotion.

Moving forward, strategic use—AI for task-based communication and information sharing, and human expression for deepening relationships—will become increasingly important.

If a Japanese person speaks to you earnestly in their own English, without relying on AI, even if their grammar isn’t perfect, how would you feel toward them? (Single choice)

97% responded that they feel positively toward someone who tries to speak in their own English, even if imperfect.

No respondents selected 'I prefer accurate speech (AI translation is better).'

This suggests that most instructors value not mechanical perfection, but the human-like attitude of 'wanting to speak with you personally.'

When a Japanese person constantly looks at the screen of an AI translation device during conversation with you, which best describes your sense of 'psychological distance (emotional barrier)'? (Single choice)

83% answered that they 'feel emotional distance' when the other person focuses on the AI translation screen.

While AI translation tools are convenient, over-reliance on the screen during conversation may create impressions of 'emotional distance' or 'difficulty forming intimacy.'

In real communication, it’s important not only to convey information accurately but also to maintain eye contact and engage with one’s own words to build trust.

In an era where AI translation is so widespread, what do you believe is the greatest value for humans in acquiring 'spoken English (the skill of speaking in one’s own English)'? (Multiple choice, up to 3)

The most selected response was 'ability to build irreplaceable trust and friendship' (66%, 774 votes).

Second was 'ability to directly convey emotions and passion' (51%, 596 votes).

These results suggest that most foreign instructors view spoken English not just as a language skill, but as a vital tool for building trust and expressing emotions.

Even in an age of widespread AI translation, the ability to speak in one’s own English is valued as a communication skill that bridges the gap between people.

Conclusion

This survey reveals that while AI translation is effective for efficient information delivery, the attitude of engaging in 'one’s own English' is highly valued in human-to-human trust-building and emotional exchange.

The future does not demand a binary choice between 'AI or human.' Instead, strategic integration—using AI for conveying tasks and information, and humans for touching hearts through personal expression—will become increasingly vital in global communication.

Native Camp will continue to provide an environment where learners can communicate 24/7 with a diverse network of instructors from over 140 countries, supporting the acquisition of English skills that build trust even in the AI era.

Features of Native Camp: https://nativecamp.net/

1. Unlimited lessons with native speakers

2. Lessons available 24/7, anytime

3. Accessible from anywhere—PC, smartphone, or tablet

4. Instructors from over 140 countries

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Survey

Native Camp Survey: 97% of Foreign Instructors Favor 'My English' Despite AI Translation Era – Insights from 140 Countries

⚡ Key Points