There are 7.4 billion people roaming on the earth at this moment, interacting and speaking different languages. Because there are so many people talking in different dialects, it truly is an asset to know more than one language. It allows you to not only interact with different groups of people, but opens doors such as jobs. Perhaps you are someone who is looking for opportunities, or someone who is just interested in learning a new language. If that’s the case, then the app, Duolingo is just what you are looking for.
To get started, you must first pick a language you want to learn and select it onto Duolingo. In this example, I have chosen Japanese. After a language has been decided, you can choose how quickly or slowly you want to learn it, based on the intensity. I’ve decided to do regular, where I can practice Japanese 10 minutes a day.
After you have picked how much you want to practice a day, Duolingo wants to know if you already familiar with the language. You can either start from the very beginning, or take a placement test to understand where you are. I am new with Japanese, so I chose the beginner option.
Once you have gotten started, there are many lessons available, unlocking more as you complete the previous ones. The lessons teach you simple words and some of the sounds the letters make. They offer a wide range of learning, from both visual to verbal. As the lessons go on, they become increasingly difficult, as it tests and mixes in lessons from previous tests. The app also keeps track of your progress to see how far you have gotten. Overall, Duolingo is a fun and engaging learning platform, and is recommended if you wish to learn to speak a language casually.
I think this app does an affective job in teaching the basics of a new language, but taking classes would still be necessary if you wish to pursue it seriously. If you are looking to learn to learn a language, it isn’t as easy as simply pairing words, it is more affective to hear them being used in conversation. In my case, I think the Japanese lessons from Duolingo is going well since I am already familiar with basic phrases, and because I have friends and family who can hold a conversation in Japanese with me.
Overall, Duolingo has been engaging and interesting. It was fun learning new phrases and if you wish to learn a new language casually, it is the app you need! Good luck!
