Duolingo is an application that teaches you languages!
The application has plethora of languages to offer and I’m about to share my Spanish journey with duolingo for the last 118 days. yes, everyday for the last 118 days!
So, what am I going to write about? Or should I say “Entonces, ¿sobre qué escribo?”
Table of Contents
Why Duolingo and Why Spanish?
I found out about Duolingo while watching a YouTube video on fun and interactive apps. Learning a language was really not what I was going for at the time; a few random swipes alongside YouTube’s monopolizing suggestive algorithm, I landed on the video.
Today, I’m capable of saying “Una Mesa para dos personas, por favor”( A table for two people, please!) ; for all the romantics if you will ;). Sure, you can say that right off of the internet and for sure you don’t need the Spanish to go out for that dinner, but that’s not the point of this write up anyway.
There is no answer to why the Spanish. I always thought Spanish was cool and decided to dive in with no second thoughts (for the app experience anyway!).
The learning experience
As I said, I wasn’t looking to learn Spanish let alone any language. This being said, I would attribute my 118 successful days of learning Spanish to the developers of the application. The intuitive UI, the way the learning is designed and the language is taught; it’s simply amazing!
A huge shout out to the DUOLINGO Team for making languages fun to learn. Heck, I had no idea I wanted to learn Spanish before I ran into the app.
You can find the link below!
I soon grew fond of the Spanish language and decided to continue after using the app for a week or so. The best part about it is, it’s free. Yes, I am not sure how they do it, but it’s free!
Please take a moment to watch me demonstrate the UI and a Spanish lesson on the Duolingo app!
Advantages and Disadvantages
There aren’t too many disadvantages to really cite at this point. I mean how many apps really motivate you to learn something new? (I honestly don’t know! Maybe there are!).
If you ask me, does doing this guarantee to have learnt the Spanish Language? The answer is no, Ive read a bunch of people slam duolingo for not giving the fluency in the language despite their commitment for over a year.
This app or any app simply aids, a tool to give you the words you need. Any language takes usage to become better at! Speaking with the native speakers, watching movies might help!
Advantages
- The UI, if you watched the video you’d agree with me. It makes learning like playing a game. (I’m sure most of the apps may or may not do the same, I’m here to talk about this one!).
- It has a way to highlight and really make you feel accomplished about crossing milestones. Isn’t that what matters? Someone rewarding you (not literal gifts) when you achieve something? The app has a way to tap into to the psychological aspect of the brain; I find its way of appreciating good enough to make me continue learning!
- It’s Free! Yes, most of its contents are free. Hey!! go get your Spanish lessons for free! Or whatever floats your boat.
- You can complete a session of learning in under 5 minutes. Believe me, this is a good way to construct an online language curriculum. Not many of us have the patience nor the time to sit through 15 minutes of learning something new amidst our busy lives.
Is it just about the Language?
Honestly, this started off as an experience which later motivated me to learn the language. Beyond learning the language, I think this application encourages a sense of commitment in me.
It isn’t about learning a language, but setting aside a few minutes in your day to do something fun, something new to escape the rut and mundane.
I’d say, its nurtured discipline in me and the by-product being to learn a thing or two in Español! Today, I set aside 5 minutes to do this no matter what and I’d say that’s something!
Point being, try something new. Explore new possibilities. It isn’t so bad!
As always, thanks for reading or as said in español, Gracias por leer!!
Drop me a comment on your thoughts! Cheers!
Note: The image attached does not belong to me! Credit goes to the owner.
Estupenda!