Duolingo is a very popular language-learning platform that uses gamified exercises and tools to help users learn a new language. It is designed to be fun and engaging, and users can learn a language by completing interactive lessons, taking quizzes, and participating in speaking and listening exercises. Plus, Duolingo offers language certification, which allows learners to prove their language proficiency.
Duolingo is special because it is available on a variety of platforms, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers, but is Duolingo the best app for learning a language? This article will cover the major benefits and drawbacks of Duolingo along with information regarding the cost and time you will have to spend to learn a language. Read on to find out more!
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How Much Does it Cost?
Duolingo is a free language-learning platform, so it does not cost anything to use it, but there are premium plans you can pay for. The first upgraded plan is called Super Duolingo. This plan costs $6.99 per month or $84.00 per year. Super Duolingo comes with a whole host of features that the free plan does not.
Super Duolingo offers ad-free learning, unlimited hearts, and the option to download lessons for offline use. With Super Duolingo you also get personalized practice, meaning some lessons are tailored to what you need to work on and improve.
Duolingo also has a new subscription called Duolingo Max. This new subscription was only announced in March of 2023 and comes with even more impressive features. Duolingo Max includes all of the features of Super Duolingo, along with AI-powered tools called Explain My Answer and Roleplay.
These features utilize AI to help users better understand their mistakes and how they can improve. Because of the advanced features in Duolingo Max, this subscription is much more expensive than Super Duolingo costing $30.00 per month.
Unfortunately, Duolingo Max is not available to all Duolingo users. As of now, Duolingo Max is limited to Spanish and French for English speakers on iOS in the U.S., Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
For more information on this new subscription click here: Duolingo Max
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What Languages Can You Learn?
Duolingo offers a ton of language courses, including languages that are endangered, like Hawaiian. Listed below are more than 20 languages that Duolingo offers: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Irish, Danish, Swedish, Russian, Turkish, Polish, Ukrainian, Hebrew, Esperanto, Danish, Norwegian, Hungarian, Romanian, Greek, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Swahili, and Welsh.
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What are the Benefits of Using Duolingo?
Over the years, Duolingo has gained a lot of traction, and for good reason. There are many reasons why Duolingo is so popular! From practicing with friends and family to learning how to speak, read and write in your new language, there are a ton of advantages to using Duolingo to study a new language. Listed below are just some of the benefits of using Duolingo.
It's Accessible On The Go
Since Duolingo is a mobile app it is easy to use on the go! You can use Duolingo anywhere you have the internet, which is a great benefit for anyone who is looking to learn a new language. Having the ability to access the app from anywhere makes it super easy to practice and fit learning a language into your already busy schedule.
Being an online app will also encourage you to practice your language skills more frequently since you can use the app while waiting for school to start, at an appointment, or during your daily commute. Plus, having Duolingo available on the go makes it easier for you to learn a language without needing to attend classes or take time off from work.
It Offers An Immersive Learning Experience
The second benefit of using Duolingo is that it offers an immersive learning experience. The app is designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing you to learn a language through a variety of fun activities and exercises! This immersive learning experience helps you gain a greater understanding of a new language. Also, the fun and "game-like" experience can allow you to immerse yourself in a new language, which can help you gain a deeper appreciation for the language and the people who speak it.
It's Free to Use
Lastly, the biggest benefit of using Duolingo is that it is free to use! Although you can pay to obtain more tools, the basic platform is easy and free to use. If you have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet, then you can utilize Duolingo for free!
This makes Duolingo a great option for those who want to learn a new language without having to spend a lot of money. By offering the app for free, Duolingo makes it possible for people of all backgrounds to access language learning without having to spend a lot of money.
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What Are The Drawbacks of Using Duolingo?
Though Duolingo is an efficient app for learning a language, like every company, it has its drawbacks. From lack of cultural context to competition to limited writing practice, there are downfalls of learning a language on Duolingo. Continue reading to find out more about some of the disadvantages of using Duolingo.
Lack of Conversational Practice
One downfall of Duolingo is that it doesn't offer much speaking/conversational practice. Duolingo is primarily a self-study program so it lacks a lot of conversational practice. It doesn't provide a learning environment where you can practice speaking in real-time with a native speaker or an instructor. This can be a major drawback if you are looking to gain conversational fluency in a language since you won't be able to practice your speaking skills in a conversational setting.
Not Much Cultural Context
Another drawback of Duolingo is that it doesn't provide much cultural context which can be a drawback because it may limit your understanding of the language and the culture that you're trying to learn. Learning a language is much more than just memorizing words and phrases - it also involves understanding the culture behind the language. Without any context, it can be difficult to understand the language and how it is used in everyday life. Plus, without any cultural context, you may struggle to understand why certain words and phrases are used in certain situations.
Limited Languages Available
Lastly, Duolingo's limited language availability can be a drawback because it means that you may not be able to study the language you are looking for. Though Duolingo does offer a wide range of languages, it doesn't have every language in the world.
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Can You Become Fluent With Duolingo?
Using Duolingo to become fluent in a language will take dedication, time, and effort, but it isn't impossible! Duolingo is an excellent tool to help you become proficient in a new language. With its intuitive, fun, and interactive lessons, it provides a great way to start your language learning journey.
But, it's important to note that Duolingo alone is not enough to become fluent. Dedication and regular practice are key to mastering any new language, and Duolingo is a great starting point for this. However, incorporating other resources such as real-life conversations and educational videos is necessary to help you to gain an understanding of the language you're learning.
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As someone who has over a 465-day streak on Duolingo, I believe that Duolingo is an excellent language-learning tool if you want to learn a new language. It is easy to use, accessible across many different devices, and provides an effective way to learn a language. Its gamified approach and rewards system make it enjoyable and engaging. With its comprehensive lessons and helpful feedback, Duolingo is an ideal option for those who want to learn a new language!
