Learning Languages
Is Duolingo the Language Learning Solution For You?
A language teacher identifies the most and least ideal uses of Duolingo
Twelve months before my epic trip to India, I made a Duolingo account and worked on my Hindi every day, acknowledging of course that Hindi is just one of the languages of India and would not be as helpful in the southern part of my trip.
As a language teacher, I was keen to discover the teaching strategies used and see how far I could progress in my ‘studies’ of the Hindi language.
The popular language-learning app Duolingo has attracted millions of users worldwide. It offers courses in numerous languages, including Haitian Creole, Navajo and even Klingon. This diversity makes it a valuable resource for learners interested in languages beyond the most commonly taught ones.
Duolingo is a versatile tool with many benefits, but there may be better choices for some learners. This article will help you make an informed choice before starting or continuing your language learning journey.
Ideal Candidates for Duolingo
Curious beginners
Duolingo is an excellent starting point for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of the target language. Its user-friendly interface is a welcoming environment for beginners to help them get a feel for the pronunciation, vocabulary and some grammatical concepts.
Coming from English, German and Italian, I knew that Hindi would be challenging due to the script and pronunciation. However Duolingo devotes several modules to pronunciation patterns before it introduces more vocabulary. I was therefore able to understand and connect some elements of the script to sounds before progressing further.
Casual learners
If you’re looking to dabble in a new language, perhaps for travel purposes, Duolingo is a great fit for this goal. It offers a fun and low-pressure way to pick up some phrases and vocabulary you might need during your travels. The app provides a structured course that gradually builds your language skills, from basic vocabulary to more advanced grammatical concepts.
I wanted some Hindi behind me for my upcoming trip to India. I planned it one and a half years ahead and worked on Duolingo for 12 months. By the time my trip came around, I was able to communicate basic information and understand keywords and phrases. This was particularly impressive when I could recognise the language people were speaking and the topic of the conversation.
Learners using it as a supplementary tool
Duolingo can be a valuable supplementary tool for those already taking formal language classes or working with other resources. It can reinforce what you’ve learned in a gamified way, keeping you motivated between classes. Don’t forget to do your assigned homework from your teacher though!
I regret not belonging to this category! If I had taken notes or learned alongside a textbook, I would have memorised more Hindi and would have had more to use in India. I intend to return to India, so I will have another attempt at learning Hindi, hopefully with a better study ethic.
Gamers or those who learn through games and quizzes
Duolingo’s mobile app allows users to learn anytime, anywhere. This accessibility means you can squeeze in language practice during your daily commute or coffee break, and that is what I did. I find consistency very difficult, so having something fun to do while I looked at my phone on the train proved to be effective.
If you are attached to your phone, enjoy a game or two each day or you find that you learn languages best through translation and by using flashcards or the like, then Duolingo might be your answer. Duolingo turns language learning into a game, making it engaging and motivating. Achievements, leaderboards, and daily streaks encourage consistent practice.
Be mindful of your language learning goals, though. Without the facility for adequate speaking practice, this method may not be ideal if you are hoping to achieve fluency or have the ability to manipulate vocabulary and structures into impromptu situations.
Less Ideal Candidates for Duolingo
Advanced learners
Do you measure your language ability against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages? Well, unless you are working within the A1 level, look elsewhere for help. If you already have a strong grasp of the language and aim to reach an advanced level or fluency, Duolingo’s content may be too basic and limited in scope, at least the standard version.
Your priorities should be to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills so you can use your language in a range of situations. Some languages in the paid version of the Duolingo app have exercises that support skill-based learning. It may be worth trying this and assessing your progress after a few months or so. However, Hindi did not have these resources.
Grammar enthusiasts
Are you passionate about verb tables? Do you love the Perfect Tense or find the concept of Mood fascinating? If so, look elsewhere for intellectual stimulation.
While Duolingo is excellent for building vocabulary and practising basic sentence structures, it falls short in formally teaching complex grammar and nuanced language usage.
Duolingo’s approach to grammar doesn’t delve deeply into complex grammar rules. If you’re passionate about mastering intricate grammar, you might find Duolingo falling short in this area.
Learners with business or academic language needs
Although Duolingo does provide ‘Personalised Practice’, it does not cater to every need, and this personalised learning is based on the errors you make, not your goals.
If you’re learning a language for business or academic purposes, you might need a more specialised program or instructor-led courses. The main reason for this is that the app does not cover topics such as politics, economics, science and other higher-order content.
Those needing structure and conversation practice
Duolingo heavily relies on translation exercises, which may not reflect real-world language usage. Learners might excel at translating but struggle to hold conversations and write texts.
Language acquisition is most effective when you immerse yourself in the culture and context of the language. Duolingo can’t replace real-world experiences, like conversations with native speakers.
I come from the context of language courses with structure, textbooks and step-by-step course materials. I found Duolingo’s lack of structure somewhat frustrating. Content was listed under topics; however, I can count on one hand how many animals, food and family members I learned.
Conclusion
Duolingo is a valuable tool for language acquisition, especially for beginners or those looking to explore multiple languages casually. Its accessibility, gamified approach, and comprehensive language selection make it a convenient and fun starting point.
However, it must be noted that Language acquisition takes time and effort. If you’re looking for rapid progress or immediate fluency, you may be disappointed with the gradual pace of Duolingo’s curriculum.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Duolingo depends on your goals and how you use it. If you value convenience and gamification, it can be an excellent addition to your language-learning toolkit. However, remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle on your journey to becoming a proficient language speaker.
