Appreciation Post for Duolingo
One of the most common things I heard when I told people I was moving to Taiwan was “Do you speak Chinese or Mandarin or whatever they speak?!” “Are you going to learn how to speak Taiwan??” “Does anyone speak English there?” Honestly, I told them that I was going to do my best. Since Puli is a smaller town (about 83,000 people), I didn’t expect many to know English but I knew that there would be at least a few. My travel adviser, Sandra (who I am working with from Phoenix Group Asia) speaks both Mandarin and English and so does my partner, Anthony who is teaching in a different junior high right outside of the town we are living in together, so I knew that I would have a little support to call on when needed. I knew this would not be enough though so a while back I started using Duolingo, a free language-learning app that was recommended to me by many of my friends and colleagues.
I started as a completely new beginner to Mandarin. The app gave me simple categories like numbers, names, food, and different greetings to start with. Each category has about five levels that you have to pass, about 24-36 lessons to complete in total for each, depending on the difficulty and progress you are making.
Pros
It is free! There is nothing really that you can’t do using the free version but it is nice that they do give the user a choice. It starts very slowly (which I see as a plus as a beginner), and really focuses on your oral speech of the language which is critical for such a tonal language like Mandarin. You can set your own goal, depending on how much you want the app to hold you accountable. When completing a lesson, you are able to listen to both a man and woman’s voice speaking the words with a speaker icon that is always there for you to click on if you want to listen to it again. For longer passages, they have the option for you to listen to it slower and more emphasized. When it gives you a sentence it wants you to translate, you can tap on each word to see the singular word translated and then with the correct pronunciation in the targeted language. Each lesson gives you the opportunity to write, match, and speak, making it the most well-rounded free language learning experience I’ve ever seen. You do not need to fully complete one category before moving on to another one which I love because I like to skip around a bit. Sometimes the words from other lessons appear in others which I think is very thoughtful. The app gives bonuses if you maintain a streak, making it feel like a game. These bonuses can be beneficial if you make a lot of mistakes (like I have more and more as the levels get harder – but I’m trying!)
Cons
For a language like Mandarin, the subject of a sentence or question is not always where it is in English which they do not explain. I had to call on Anthony to help me so I don’t lose my hearts that are needed to complete each lesson but not everyone has their own personal translating tutor like I do. If you are having difficulty with a lesson and lose all your hearts, even if you are almost done, you can’t complete that level and all your progress is gone! As far as the lessons, I like that they are basic but I have learned how to say things like “I drink tea” or “I eat noodles”, when I really should be learning how to say “Can I get some water?” or “Where is the bathroom?”. Maybe when I get further in the lessons? At least I can say Hello, Goodbye, and Thank you to every one I see. There are ads but those honestly don’t bother me that much. They are quick and easy to exit out of and get back to your learning!
Is it a good app?
Like the title suggests, I have a great appreciation for Duolingo and the mission they’ve set out for. Absolutely it’s a great app! A free app that allows you to learn a language at your pace with more than 30 of them to choose from? It’s a little silly but they even offer Klingon and High Valyrian for those who want to prepare when Winter is coming in Space. As an English as a Second Language teacher, I feel giddy that they offer vulnerable or endangered languages like Navajo and languages we are seeing more and more in the states like Arabic, Turkish, and Hindi. It is a great resource to have if you want to start learning a language for necessity like me or just because you want to learn a new and interesting skill.
Give it a try! What do you think of it? Let me know if you or someone you know have used it in the past and what you/they think about it!
More Praises and Opinions
“Why Duolingo is the Gold Standard of Education Apps”
Duolingo – Review of the Popular Language Learning App
Duolingo, the Chart-Topping Language App, Unveils a Platform for Teachers
It’s a free app loved by millions. Is Duolingo wasting your time?
App Review: Learn Norwegian with Duolingo
There’s still so much more to come! Stay tuned…
Until next time, this has been,
Emma Eiden, An ESL Teacher Abroad
An ESL Teacher Abroad 