Interested in Learning a New Language?

How many languages can you speak? Two, maybe three? Well, there’s an app that simplifies learning a new language, and practicing languages you already know: Duolingo.

Created in 2011, with the intent of teaching people foreign languages free of cost, it now boasts around 300 million users, as well as a 4.7/5 average user rating. And with the global pandemic, it provides another useful way to spend your free time indoors.

Duolingo allows users to do multiple courses at the same time and offers 98 different courses in 38 different languages. The app features a built-in dictionary, which keeps track of the amount of words the user has learned. Duolingo also has a level system which uses exp (experience points), a numerical system that represents a user's skill-level. Badges in Duolingo can be earned by completing specific objectives or challenges.

Furthermore, one of its most popular features, its ranking system, operates on a weekly basis and urges users to practice the language they’re learning to remain on the top of their current league, and advance to the next. Being at the top of their current league nets the user a lot of “lingots”, an in-app currency that they can use to buy cosmetics for their account, as well as gaining access to harder tests for their chosen language. Lingots can also be used to freeze the user’s streak, (measuring how many days the user has practiced in a row) allowing them to take a break if they’re unable to practice much during the week.

Duolingo isn’t perfect, however, and is prone to criticism. And people’s main gripe with it is that it doesn’t provide a full learning experience, in the sense that its courses don’t take users to the level of fluency that can be found in native speakers. Another issue is the unrealistic phrases that are used, which would not normally be said by someone who speaks the language. These are to be expected however, and if someone is interested in learning a language, they should try to keep many tools at their disposal, not just a free application. Duolingo doesn’t promise to bring a person expertise in their chosen language, rather giving them a good footing in its grammar and a decent vocabulary to build upon.

On a lighter note, a major selling point of the app is its community of users who help each other learn and improve their skills. There is a discussion tab where people can ask questions, and reply to existing posts. This makes people more interested in the language they are learning, and increases their proficiency and chance of completing their course. And with the enormous user-base, it’s to be expected that getting help is quite accessible. The app also promotes online events organized by the community, you’ll find many game-nights and weekly get-togethers for users to chat. Whether it be about common interests or simply make conversation in their chosen language.

Duolingo shouldn’t be touted as a be all end all for learning a foreign language. Rather, it should be seen as a useful tool to practice a language’s grammar and learn a range of words, and to be used in conjunction with other language-learning tools. It is free, however, and gives people another useful way to kill time during quarantine. So, I suggest using it if you are interested in learning a new language or practicing one you already know. Stay safe, and best regards.