Is Duolingo Good for Language Learning?
When choosing a language-learning platform, it’s important to assess what stage of your learning journey you’re on and what your goals are. Duolingo is a popular tool that offers a unique approach to language learning, but how effective is it, especially for serious learners looking to achieve fluency?
Language Learning vs. Language Acquisition
Before discussing Duolingo, it’s worth distinguishing between learning a language and acquiring one. Learning typically involves explicit instruction—grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, and structured lessons. This approach is effective in the early stages when learners need to familiarise themselves with the basic mechanics of a language.
Acquisition, on the other hand, is a subconscious process that happens when learners understand messages in the language. By comprehending spoken or written input in the target language, the brain starts to intuitively grasp grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. This is how we naturally acquire our first language and is also the most efficient way to achieve long-term fluency in additional languages.
The Importance of Comprehensible Input
True language acquisition occurs through understanding messages, either by hearing or reading them. Known as “comprehensible input,” this is the foundation of successful language learning. However, at the beginner level, understanding these messages can be nearly impossible because the learner knows little to nothing of the language. This is where explicit learning methods have value. Tools that focus on vocabulary memorisation, grammar, and translation can provide a basic framework that allows learners to start understanding simple texts and conversations.
Traditional Language Learning: Duolingo
Duolingo, with its gamified approach, excels in encouraging daily practice through short, bite-sized lessons. It’s suitable for beginners, offering an accessible way to start learning a language in a structured manner. However, Duolingo’s lessons focus more on translating words and sentences, which can be limiting when you progress beyond the basics.
The Limitations of Traditional Apps
While Duolingo is helpful for beginners, it becomes less efficient as learners progress. At some point, memorisation techniques begin to lose their impact. The volume of vocabulary to memorise becomes intractable, and the rigid structure of lessons may feel repetitive. Additionally, Duolingo is not designed to immerse you in a language through natural exposure to real-world content, which is crucial for continued progress. In the long run, it can take up time and energy that could be better spent on reading and listening to authentic materials.
Squeno: Designed for Long-Term Acquisition
Squeno’s Features for Beginners and Beyond
Squeno’s website provides a daily feed of content tailored to your language and proficiency level. These stories range from news articles to classic tales and are available at all levels (A1 to C1).
1. Daily Feed of Comprehensible Input (CI)
Squeno’s website provides a daily feed of content tailored to your language and proficiency level. The feed includes links to CI YouTube videos and original Squeno stories, which range from current news articles to classic tales. These stories are available at all levels (A1 to C1) and are accompanied by illustrations to aid comprehension. Beginners can benefit from this content because it’s designed to be understood with minimal prior knowledge, bridging the gap between learning and acquiring the language.
2. Click-to-Translate Feature
If you come across an unfamiliar word while reading, you can click on it to see an instant translation into your native language. This reduces the frustration of not understanding key terms and ensures that you stay immersed in the story. Beginners, in particular, can find this helpful as they build up their vocabulary through meaningful, contextual exposure.
3. Text-to-Speech Integration
Every word or sentence can be heard with Squeno’s text-to-speech feature, offering valuable listening practice. This is crucial for learners aiming to improve their pronunciation and listening skills, even at the beginner stage. For more advanced learners, it offers a way to reinforce auditory recognition and develop a natural feel for the rhythm and sounds of the language.
4. AI-Powered Browser App
Squeno’s browser app allows you to browse the web in your target language, with the text automatically simplified to match your current level. This means you can read articles, blogs, and news in real-time, getting exposure to authentic materials while ensuring the input is comprehensible. You can also tap on words to translate them and use text-to-speech for listening practice. For intermediate and advanced learners, this feature is particularly powerful because it provides an endless supply of real-world content that grows with you.
Why Squeno Stands Out
The strength of Squeno lies in its ability to provide meaningful, comprehensible input throughout the learning journey. Beginners benefit from structured stories and videos, while intermediate and advanced learners can immerse themselves in real-world content, aided by AI that adapts the material to their current level. Unlike Duolingo, Squeno prioritises reading and listening as the core activities for language acquisition, ensuring that your time is spent in the most productive way possible.
In summary, while Duolingo can help you get started, Squeno offers a comprehensive solution that supports long-term acquisition through authentic, comprehensible input. By focusing on understanding messages in your target language, Squeno helps you achieve fluency in a way that is both efficient and sustainable.