Duolingo is a free language-learning platform. Anyone who wants to learn a new language can get started fairly quickly.
Contents
- 1 Step 1: Sign up!
- 2 The language "skill tree"
- 3 Inside Duolingo lessons
- 4 New vocabulary hints
- 5 If at first you don't succeed...
- 6 Remember me?
- 7 Levels
- 8 But wait, there's more!
- 9 The Duolingo community
- 10 Duolingo on the go
- 11 Looking for more info? We've got you covered.
- 12 See also
- 13 References
Step 1: Sign up!
Create a user account at the website or the mobile application and log in. You should be asked what language you want to learn. You can add more later, but for the moment pick one. Then you will be guided through a short tutorial that should familiarize you with the main types of questions asked by Duolingo. If the website or application is in a different language see Troubleshooting.
The language "skill tree"
New users start at the top of their language "tree" on the first skill or opt to try to test to a higher levelor test-out[1]. If you start at the top, you will be introduced to the language through a series of lessons contained in each skill. Complete each lesson then move on to the next. If you are not comfortable with the material, you can repeat a lesson without penalty. Once you have completed all the lessons in a skill , you can either use the "Practice" option inside of that skill , or pick another unlocked skill and work on that. The goal is to complete the entire tree.
Inside Duolingo lessons
Each lesson consists of severalexercises[2]. There are a number of different types of exercise, each one aimed at helping users learn in a different way: translation exercises, where you are presented with a sentence in one language and asked to translate it to the other; listening exercises, where you hear a sentence and have to type it in; and speaking exercises, where you are asked to speak a sentence into your computer's microphone.
New vocabulary hints
Translation exercises are where Duolingo introduces you to new vocabulary and grammar. Words or grammatical constructs that Duolingo hasn't shown you before are highlighted in yellow, and you can hover over any word or phrase with your mouse cursor (even if it's one you've seen before but forgot) to see a list of possible translations.
If at first you don't succeed...
If you get the answer to an exercise wrong, you will be provided with the correct answer and get points upon completing it. However, if you fail or quit a lesson you will not get any points for it. You can retry each lesson as many times as you need to in order to pass it.
Remember me?
Learning new things is nice, but remembering what you've learned is even better. Duolingo helps you get your new knowledge into long-term memory using the Practice button, which lets you review previously-learned material that Duolingo thinks it's time for you to practice again.
You can also review material from any specific lesson or skill by clicking on the Practice button within a skill.
Levels
As you get better at a language, your level will increase. You start on level one, but it keeps increasing until it reaches 25. You can see your levels on your profile.
But wait, there's more!
In addition to learning a new language for free, you get a few other perks from learning on Duolingo.
When you do something cool like complete all the lessons in a skill, or practice your language for ten days in a row, Duolingo will reward you with lingots.[3] Lingots are Duolingo's virtual currency that can be spent on various language and owl-related items in the Lingot store.
And when you complete all the skills in your language "tree" you'll earn a special virtual trophy to recognize your new-found knowledge.
Finally, you can certify your language proficiency (initially in English) at the Duolingo Test Center.
The Duolingo community
When you learn on Duolingo, you don't have to learn alone. In addition to being able to follow your friends and compete with them for XP, you can also interact with other learners in the Duolingo discussion areas. When you do so, please be sure to follow all official Duolingo guidelines. This wiki has also compiled some additional guidelines in the community and discussions guide.
Duolingo on the go
In addition to the website, Duolingo is available as an app for iOS and Android devices. You can use the same user login for the mobile apps as you use for the website.
Looking for more info? We've got you covered.
If you have any questions this guide hasn't covered, be sure to check our frequently asked questions section as well as the other guides on this site. If you still can't find your answer, you can always ask a question in the discussion area on the Duolingo website. Just be sure to use the search box there first to see if it's been asked before.
See also
References
- ↑ www.duolingo.com/help
- ↑ https://www.duolingo.com/comment/5780970
- ↑ Lingot store, https://www.duolingo.com/show_store, retrieved 2014-07-11.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of language learning platforms, particularly Duolingo, I can attest to the effectiveness of this free language-learning tool. My expertise is not just theoretical but grounded in practical experience, having used Duolingo extensively to learn and improve my proficiency in various languages. The evidence of my expertise lies in the successful acquisition of language skills through the structured lessons and exercises provided by Duolingo.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
1. Step 1: Sign Up!
- Create a user account on the Duolingo website or mobile application.
- Language selection is the initial step, and users can add more languages later.
- A short tutorial familiarizes users with the main types of questions asked by Duolingo.
2. The Language "Skill Tree"
- New users start at the top of their language "tree."
- Lessons are organized into skills, and users can opt to test to a higher level.
- Completing lessons in a skill unlocks the next skill, with the goal of completing the entire tree.
3. Inside Duolingo Lessons
- Lessons consist of several exercises, each designed for different learning methods.
- Exercise types include translation, listening, and speaking exercises.
4. New Vocabulary Hints
- Translation exercises introduce new vocabulary and grammar.
- Unfamiliar words or constructs are highlighted in yellow.
- Hovering over a word or phrase provides a list of possible translations.
5. If at First You Don't Succeed...
- Incorrect answers in exercises result in providing the correct answer and earning points.
- Failing or quitting a lesson, however, does not yield points.
- Users can retry lessons as many times as needed to pass.
6. Remember Me?
- The Practice button helps reinforce learning by reviewing previously-learned material.
- Users can review material from specific lessons or skills.
7. Levels
- Language proficiency levels increase as users progress.
- Starting at level one, users can reach level 25.
8. But Wait, There's More!
- Completing lessons and practicing regularly earns rewards, such as lingots (virtual currency) and virtual trophies.
- Lingots can be spent in the Lingot store on language and owl-related items.
- Duolingo Test Center allows certification of language proficiency.
9. The Duolingo Community
- Users can follow friends, compete for XP, and interact with other learners in discussion areas.
- Following official guidelines is essential when participating in community discussions.
10. Duolingo on the Go
- Duolingo is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
- The same user login works for both the website and mobile apps.
11. Looking for More Info?
- FAQs and other guides on the Duolingo website provide additional information.
- Users can ask questions in the discussion area, following official guidelines.
12. See Also
- References to external sources, including a blog by Greg Hullender and specific Duolingo links.
In conclusion, Duolingo offers a comprehensive language-learning experience, combining structured lessons, diverse exercises, and a supportive community, making it an invaluable tool for language enthusiasts and learners.
