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We regret to announce the passing of Duo, affectionately known as the Duolingo Owl.
The response online was profound. Many expressed their sorrow, sparking curiosity among casual browsers, while marketers observed closely.
Just twelve days later, Duolingo made a triumphant announcement:
Duo is back
Legends don’t die
The creativity and effectiveness of Duolingo’s marketing team cannot be overstated. The buzz surrounding their strategies has become a topic of discussion across platforms like LinkedIn, while email marketers highlight their campaigns in various communications.
Duo’s infatuation with Dua Lipa and his quirky rivalry with Google Translate have made the owl immensely relatable, endearing him to users and enhancing the brand’s appeal.
Source: Reddit
However, a key question emerges: How does the app itself perform in comparison to the brand’s strong image?
Five years ago, I embarked on my language journey with Spanish on Duo, only to abandon it after three days due to the repetition in exercises. Recently, I revisited the app to learn German, hoping for a more engaging experience.
As a learner who values fluidity in the learning process, I found the features overwhelming. The app operates on a heart system where mistakes cost you hearts, which can be replenished through in-app currency that you earn through usage.
Unfortunately, after repeating the same vocabulary for days, I found myself quitting yet again and searching for alternative language-learning options.
The Demand for Alternatives
Duolingo boasts an impressive 37.2 million daily active users and a market capitalization of $17.5 billion, surpassing both Coursera and Udemy.
With a 54% increase in daily active users compared to the previous quarter and a fourfold surge since 2020, Duolingo’s growth trajectory looks promising. However, alongside this rise, users have reported various issues.
Grammar Gaps
One of the major critiques is Duolingo’s approach to grammar instruction. The app does not provide explicit grammar rules, which can hinder learners’ ability to form sentences correctly. For instance, in French, the gender agreement of adjectives is a fundamental concept, yet it remains unaddressed in the app’s lessons.
Duolingo maintains that explicit grammar instruction is often unnecessary for effective learning, suggesting that users can learn through pattern recognition as they go.
Overwhelming Notifications
Many users have noted the aggressive nature of Duolingo’s marketing and notification system. While those outside the app may find it entertaining, active users have begun to express their distaste for the incessant prompts.
A user on Debugger shared her experience of receiving persistent notifications when she temporarily stopped using the app. Eventually, she deemed the final message—stating that reminders weren’t effective and the notifications would cease—as the last straw.
Similar sentiments have echoed through discussions on Reddit, with learners expressing frustration towards the timing and frequency of these prompts.
Source: Reddit
Limited Conversational Training
Another commonly raised concern involves the app’s failure to adequately prepare users for real-life conversations. Many users report feeling unprepared for basic interactions, such as greetings and ordering food, despite spending significant time on the app. As noted by a Trustpilot reviewer, the app often teaches whimsical topics such as “pink avocados” instead of practical language skills.
Poor Customer Support
At Class Central, prolonged observation of the r/Duolingo subreddit has revealed a concerning trend: many users are abandoning their long-standing streaks and canceling subscriptions due to dissatisfaction with the platform’s support. Reddit moderators attempted to address these issues by contacting CEO Luis von Ahn, yet his response primarily highlighted plans for automation instead of direct customer service improvements.
Exasperated with the lack of support, moderators from r/Duolingo announced they would cease acting as unofficial customer service representatives. They have initiated a petition urging Duolingo to bolster its customer service team, arguing that the burden of support shouldn’t be placed on community volunteers.
These issues, combined with others such as inappropriate content for minors and an overabundance of gamification, have opened the door for other language-learning applications that provide a more comprehensive educational experience. Here are some notable alternatives:
Cost: Free (with ads)
Premium subscription: $83/year, $50/6 months, or $14/month (discounts often available)
Busuu is a strong contender, offering a focus on conversational practice without excessive repetition. The app features a user-friendly interface that includes breaks for grammar instruction, enabling learners to transition smoothly from practice to theory.
Source: Busuu
Cited as a user favorite on Reddit, many prefer Busuu over Duolingo for its balanced approach to learning. A tip: keep an eye out for discounts after signing up, as some users have reported significant savings.
Cost: $29.85/3 months, $50.70/6 months, $83.40/year, $299 lifetime
Babbel offers a sophisticated interface and a genuine learning experience. The app provides options for live sessions, vocabulary expansion, and AI conversation practice.
Source: Babbel
Babbel’s initial free offerings include conversations with an AI bot, followed by a subscription model that justifies its cost through an enriching, well-rounded approach to language learning.
Cost: Free
Mango is geared toward conversation-focused learners, providing a straightforward app devoid of unnecessary complexity. It teaches not only grammar but also cultural nuances relevant to language use.
Source: Mango
This app is ideal for learners who thrive without gamification; its structured approach keeps users motivated and engaged through cultural insights.
Cost: $14.99/month, $39.99/3 months, or $79.99/year, $159.99 (lifetime available)
LingoDeer leans heavily on vocabulary, yet it introduces relevant words effectively. Its unique features, like ‘story listening’ and ‘story speaking,’ allow users to practice in context. The app also includes a grammar tips section that caters to learners seeking clarity.
Source: LingoDeer
With a focus on diverse learning mediums including writing, speaking, and listening, LingoDeer facilitates comprehensive language acquisition.
Cost: Approximately $20/month, $205 for all-access (approx)
Pimsleur stands out with its auditory-focused method, emphasizing pronunciation and language retention. Each session comprises roughly 30 minutes, allowing for convenient integration into daily routines.
Source: Pimsleur
Pimsleur’s research-backed approach is utilized by various institutions for mastering languages, making it a valuable option for serious learners.
Cost: Open source and free (paid version for iPhone users)
One critical complaint among Duolingo users is the lack of personalization in lessons. Anki addresses this by allowing users to customize their learning experience through downloadable flashcards.
This app empowers learners with the flexibility to adapt their review schedules and content presentation, including multimedia elements.
Source: Anki
As one user remarked, “Anki makes memory a choice,” highlighting its effectiveness in supporting memory retention through tailored engagement.
Through my exploration of these various apps, it became clear that effective language learning doesn’t have to rely on gamification or intricate designs; rather, it can be a straightforward and enriching experience, as demonstrated by these viable Duolingo alternatives.
Hopefully, this roundup will assist you in achieving fluency and confidently engaging with local cultures during your travels or in daily life!
Source
www.classcentral.com