Duolingo

What it does:

Hailed as one of the greatest language learning apps ever made, Duolingo is a science-based learning tool that hardly needs any introduction. The app has changed the way millions of people the world over are learning a new language through gamification.

The app first asks you to choose your language and then set a learning goal, from casual to more advanced. Each course is composed of modules which are made up of individual lessons. Lessons are designed to be bite-sized and fast-paced, and allow you to learn at a level that correlates with your goal. Each lesson is made up of different exercises, such as translation and speaking, and make use of imagery and voice prompts. You have to master each module before unlocking the next, with the subject matter gradually progressing to a more advanced level.

Duolingo uses various incentives to keep you motivated and coming back for more. An in-app currency (called “lingots”) allows you to purchase bonus skills and other special features. You’ll earn shiny badges of achievement for completing challenges, and you’ll also receive pleasing words of encouragement throughout your journey. Public leaderboards lend some healthy competition and let you compete against friends and the greater Duolingo community.

Duolingo uses a ‘freemium’ model, meaning that the app is available free of charge however it does contain ads. There is the option to upgrade to the premium version, Duolingo Plus, for an ad-free experience and other useful features. 

How it helps:

Several studies have shown that people who learn a new language, particularly in adulthood, tend to have lower rates of dementia and memory problems later in life regardless of education levels, gender or occupation.

And then there is the obvious benefit of being able to speak the language of a country when you decide to travel there. Given that staying active and travelling have also been shown to keep your brain healthy, it’s a win-win.

Like many other users, I began using Duolingo in anticipation of an upcoming holiday in a foreign country. Not only did my daily lessons add to my level of excitement but, if you’re a vegetarian like me, it was the difference between ordering horse and cabbage in more remote areas where the English was nonexistent. It also helped me interact with locals in a more meaningful way and immerse myself in the culture. 

The gamification aspect of the app makes the process of learning a new language addictive and rewarding, and importantly, kept me returning to the ‘classroom’. The fast-paced nature of the lessons makes it easy to fit them in throughout your day so you’re never falling behind.

Conclusion:

While the app may not be enough to become completely fluent in another language, it’s a powerful tool to get you started and master the basics. If you really want to talk the talk, use Duolingo in combination with other forms of learning. In either case, Duolingo is a very satisfying workout for your grey matter – no matter your age.

What users say about it:

“Absolutely love this app. When you have trouble with words or phrases, it gives you questions containing them more frequently so that you can correct your problem areas promptly. Even drops in for a few little “congrats on your hard work!” messages as you practice. It’s a very comfortable, fun and easy way to learn a language.”- Nisa

What the experts say about it:

“This study examined the effect of lifelong bilingualism on maintaining cognitive functioning and delaying the onset of symptoms of dementia in old age… The bilinguals showed symptoms of dementia 4 years later than monolinguals, all other measures being equivalent.”- Bilingualism as a protection against the onset of symptoms of dementia, Bialystok, Craik & Freedman.