Getting Started with Duolingo

There are many websites or applications for learners to study a new language. However, each of them has one particular drawback: there is no output. What I want to focus on in this article is a language learning website called Duolingo. I never used Duolingo before and it was the first time for me to experience it in ICT class. So instead of hiring a personal tutor to teach you, this website emphasis not only on input like teaching you vocabularies or grammar rules, but also allow you to speak, which is the output.

Basically it is the way how Duolinguo works: First of all, you need to create an account on www.duolingo.com. After you are logged in you can start by choosing the language you are interested in learning. Once you choose the language you have two options; the first one is to start from the beginning, as a completely new learner; the other is to take a placement test and according to your results pass some levels and go directly where you fit in best. I believe this is a great way to work as you get to know your own knowledge of the language – unless you are starting from scratch!

Once your level determines you can start learning. Imagine learning a new language in class and teachers will begin to introduce you to concepts such as food, animals, plurals and more. As you progress, your level is from simple to complex. That's how Duolingo works. There are a variety of circular boxes to introduce you to each concept, so by pressing one of them, you usually have one or more lessons, each with different exercises and questions.

Now that I have explained a bit how the program works – and believe me it is way easier in practice than what I make it look like here – I would like to focus on the advantages, first, and then the disadvantages of using Duolingo. The very first and best advantage is that the program is free. Other than that:

·         It is very easy to use with a pretty straightforward interface; it allows you to publish your results on Facebook – since that happens with everything nowadays – and challenges you to be a better version of yourself every day until you beat your own scores;

·         It is very fun to use due to its game-like property and you might find yourself addicted to it;

·         When your answer is wrong it gives you the correct one so that you know why you lost a heart;

·         There is an app version as well which allows you to learn wherever you have internet connection and whenever you feel like it.

The above were just one side of the coin. There are also disadvantages to the program which, according to me, are the following:

·         In terms of grammar, Duolingo does not offer any explanations whatsoever on grammatical use. To me grammar is an essential part of language learning and I believe that even though there are not direct grammar lessons, there should be a way to incorporate it along with vocabulary.

·         It is not suitable for a systematic learner since it couldn’t provide you a complete framework of the language. you could only follow its instructions and study.

In conclusion, I believe that the program is easy and fun and a great way to start learning a language while you are still a beginner. In our class one of my classmates said he still remember what he learnt in French one year ago. So after experienced it, I would like to recommend this to you!