Like many aspiring language learners eager to master Mandarin Chinese, I once turned to the popular language learning app, Duolingo. Attracted by its gamified approach and promises of fluency, I dove headfirst into its Chinese course. As someone who had dabbled in beginner classes and sought a convenient digital solution, Duolingo seemed like the perfect answer to the question: can an app truly make you fluent in Chinese?
Intrigued by online claims suggesting Duolingo Mandarin users progress as swiftly as university students, I eagerly downloaded the app and quickly became engrossed. Duolingo transforms language acquisition into an engaging game, offering courses structured by themes ranging from basic introductions to business and travel. Each lesson introduces vocabulary and short sentences relevant to the topic, challenging users to complete tasks to unlock subsequent levels. These challenges involve sentence construction and translation exercises, all aimed at completing an extensive “tree” of hundreds of courses.
That summer, Duolingo consumed my free time as I diligently worked to complete the entire Chinese tree. The app’s motivational tactics, including friendly competition with peers and gentle nudges from its owl mascot, kept me engaged. The owl’s slightly guilt-tripping reminders about missed lessons proved surprisingly effective in prompting me to study whenever I had a moment to spare.
However, despite my dedication and completion of the Duolingo Chinese tree, fluency remained elusive. My spoken Chinese proficiency barely reached a lower elementary level, equivalent to A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – the most basic level.
This experience came back to mind recently when a friend, a Spanish beginner and Duolingo enthusiast, shared an article defending the app against criticism. Duolingo often faces mockery in language learning communities, with users sharing examples of bizarre and nonsensical sentences encountered on the platform.
Duolingo’s defense, in an article titled ‘How silly sentences can help you learn,’ argues that these strange sentences are intentionally designed to be memorable, aiding in the retention of grammatical concepts. The article suggests sentences like “The Tuesday is similar to the Monday,” while unrealistic, serve as “grammatical anchors,” solidifying key grammar points for effective communication. Communication, they claim, is about “learning rules and flexibility.”
I disagree with the notion that mastering Chinese communication relies heavily on rule memorization, and even more so that learning unnatural, isolated sentences is an effective grammar acquisition method. The memorability of a sentence is irrelevant if it’s not something a native speaker would actually say or if it lacks real-world context. Instead, effective Chinese learning hinges on repeated exposure to and comprehension of relevant sentences within natural contexts. This immersive approach allows language structures to become internalized organically.
Years of studying effective language learning methods, particularly from top Chinese speakers, have shown me a more effective path. Internalizing grammar patterns happens best through extensive consumption of comprehensible content. Techniques like sentence mining allow learners to collect relevant phrases and structures for everyday use, and real-life practice solidifies these patterns.
Alternative tools, such as graded readers, offer a superior approach to grammar immersion compared to Duolingo. Graded readers are specifically designed for learners with limited vocabulary to engage in extensive reading, rather than focusing on isolated, random sentences. Compelling narratives and engaging articles in graded readers are far more effective and enjoyable than even the most bizarre Duolingo sentences.
Shortly after my Duolingo phase, I discovered Mandarin Companion graded readers, which start with as few as 150 unique words. LingQ also provides beginner-friendly mini-stories. Knowing about these resources earlier would have led me to abandon Duolingo sooner. Ultimately, fluency came from these tools combined with consistent speaking practice, not from Duolingo alone.
Where Duolingo Can Be Helpful in Learning Chinese
Duolingo does have a limited value, particularly in the initial stages of [learning Chinese]. It can serve as an introductory vocabulary builder, exposing learners to basic phrases like how to say hello in Mandarin. For learners with a very limited vocabulary (under 150 words), Duolingo can bridge the gap to more meaningful content like graded readers and Mandarin novels.
However, even for vocabulary building, Duolingo is insufficient on its own. Reading Chinese necessitates learning to read Chinese characters. Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS) flashcards are significantly more effective for character memorization. While Duolingo includes some character-based exercises, they are inadequate for long-term retention. Therefore, learners using Duolingo for vocabulary should supplement it with character flashcards or gamified SRS tools like Ninchanese.
Furthermore, although Duolingo introduces Chinese tones, its tone training is far from comprehensive. After completing the Duolingo tree, my tonal accuracy remained limited. Significant dedicated effort was required later to correct my tones.
Realistic Expectations for Learning Chinese with Duolingo
Looking back, I don’t regret using Duolingo entirely. However, I do regret the obsession and the naive belief that it would lead to fluency. If I could revisit my early learning journey, I would use Duolingo with more realistic expectations – as a short-term vocabulary supplement alongside flashcards and other tools, just until I was ready for engaging, meaningful content. Then, I would move on to more effective and comprehensive learning methods.
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Mischa Wilmers
