Duolingo is a clear example of a truly useful way to build daily motivation to learn. However, there are many users who have logged hundreds of hours on different platforms & don’t possess the ability to speak the target language when put in a position to do so.
The cold, hard reality of this language learning app is that it rewards the use of the app but does not create any real-world fluency in the target language for the user.
In layman’s terms, this means that you will know many phrases and sentences that you will never have to say, but you will not be able to pronounce individual words in real time, and you will also not be able to spontaneously respond in any conversation.
So, if your primary objective is to hold a conversation with someone in an unfamiliar language without “freezing up”, then you need tools based on encouraging you to have conversations, not just complete lessons.
Top Duolingo Alternatives
Here are some of the most talked-about Duolingo alternatives.
Copycat Cafe
Copycat Cafe’s work is dramatically different from other methods, such as gamified tap applications. This method is designed with the end-user in mind from day one: you are immediately placed into real-world conversational behaviours.
You first learn from watching how native speakers speak, then mimicking their pronunciation of words, and lastly, the AI will provide the user with conversation practice based on how a native speaker has responded to previous conversations.
Unlike finding vague responses from other language apps, such as “Good Job!” or “That was easier,” Copycat will provide scores for each word/phrase and provide you with specific areas of improvement.
This way can add a lot of value to your practice if pronunciation is important to you.
You can also use the copycat’s speaking partner to send around 1000 messages per day to get unlimited practice in a conversation, which is not a feature offered by most other language learning apps.
Although Copycat’s pricing is much higher than what you would pay for a free app, it is still less than that of working with a private tutor.
Ling
Ling is somewhat similar to Duolingo, but it offers a greater range and depth.
It includes gamified lessons that make you record yourself speaking and provide feedback based on your pronunciation.
Ling is known for its library of languages. A large number of Asian languages are included in Ling’s extensive range, which not many other apps provide.
While there is little depth related to the study of grammar, and there have been some instances of glitches associated with the use of voice detection, beginner learners still find it useful for the variety of languages available and for practising their speaking skills.
Drops
Drops is all about speed and visuals.
Instead of long lessons, you get quick, image-based exercises that help you associate words with pictures. It’s addictive, easy to use, and great if you struggle with memorising vocabulary.
But here’s the catch. It barely touches speaking or grammar.
So yes, you’ll learn words faster, but forming sentences or holding conversations still requires another tool. Think of Drops as a supplement, not a complete learning system.
LingoDeer
LingoDeer is a solution to the lack of explanation on Duolingo.
It has a structured curriculum that does not just throw words at you but actually teaches you the correct way to use grammar rules.
Also, the course’s progression in LigoDeer is logical; therefore, it is easy to understand how to communicate in your target language, rather than just memorising it.
LingoDeer is particularly useful for learning Asian languages like Japanese, Korean and Chinese, and has a good balance between using words to help understand grammar, and reality-based learning.
The only drawback to LingoDeer is the limited amount of speaking practice you will get, and therefore, you will be able to understand the language, but might not be able to use it in normal day-to-day speaking.
Lingo Legend
Lingo Legend makes learning languages fun while playing games.
You will go on missions, fight bosses and complete storylines while adding new words to your vocabulary, making it a very fun app to use and learn.
However, let’s be honest, the main purpose of Lingo Legend is not to learn fluency in a new language, but rather to be entertained.
The amount of speaking practice you will get with Lingo Legend is not enough. The number of languages available is also not that many.
If you intend to communicate fluently with someone, you may find it hard to grow with Lingo Legend.
So, overall, Duolingo is a great app to start and will help you build the habit.
However, after a while of using it on Duolingo, you will find that it’s actually slowing you down.
Use two or three apps and find the one that actually helps motivate you to start speaking, not just to finish completing lessons.
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