Can Apps Really Make You Fluent in Another Language?

Apps like Duolingo offer many benefits for learning another language, but how much can they really help you achieve fluency? Dr. Luke Plonsky, professor of applied linguistics at Northern Arizona University, explains that these apps

Apps like Duolingo have many advantages for learning another language, but how much can they really help you master that language?

Dr. Luke Plonsky, professor of applied linguistics at Northern Arizona University, explains that these programs combine audio, text, and images to help language learners better understand the relationship between the written form, pronunciation, and meaning of new words.

These applications also use a method called spaced training; That is, the language learner reviews the learned material at different time intervals. Numerous researches have shown that this method, compared to intensive study in a short period of time, helps to retain information better in the memory.

For example, if students spend 30 minutes learning vocabulary, they are likely to remember the words for longer, provided they divide that time into three 10-minute sessions over several days or weeks, rather than studying all 30 minutes at once.

Dr. Jillian Lord, professor of Spanish linguistics at the University of Florida, said:

Language learning apps are usually good at teaching vocabulary, short phrases, and specific material that is best learned through repetition and retention.

Duolingo researchers have also published a peer-reviewed study based on the results of which, completing certain parts of the French and Spanish language courses of this application can bring students' reading and listening skills to the level of students who have completed four university semesters; That too in a much shorter period of time. Of course, it should be noted that this research did not evaluate the speaking and writing ability of language learners.

In terms of functionality, many of these applications are free and because they are installed on mobile phones, they are available at any hour of the day and night. Plonsky said about this:

These apps are very useful because they are on our phones and we can access them 24/7.

Emotional appeal and fun are also considered as other strengths of these programs. Referring to Duolingo's characters, including Lily, a teenager known for her sarcasm, and the app's green owl, Plonsky said:

The character of Lily in Duolingo is cute and the owl of this program also has its own charm. Sounds and tactile feedback are pleasant and create a sense of satisfaction. Features such as maintaining a chain of consecutive days of learning and a system of hearts also add a playful aspect to the program and encourage us to continue.

Dr. Lord also believes that starting to learn a new language can be daunting, but apps that make this process a fun experience will make it easier to enter the world of language learning.

Dr. Daniel Isbell, an associate professor in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, also points to the role of these programs in making language learning a daily habit. Sending reminders and using game-like elements, such as experience points or XP earned by completing lessons, and a learning chain that shows the number of days in a row of exercises, help users stay on schedule.

Learning a language is more like a marathon than a sprint. To reach a high level of mastery, it may take several thousand hours of practice and study; Therefore, continuity in learning is very important.

Limitations of language teaching applications

Despite all the benefits, relying on the app alone does not necessarily provide the learner with the skills needed to communicate in the real world.

Even when these programs do have conversational practice, they are usually designed to be highly controlled; For example, they ask you to repeat a phrase, pronounce a word, or provide an expected answer. A person may perform very well in an app, but be completely unprepared to engage in an unexpected, real-life conversation.

He also explained that live communication between humans requires the ability to understand the meaning in the moment, respond to unpredictable situations, manage misunderstandings, and adapt to the other party; Complexities that applications alone are not able to fully recreate.

According to Isbell, this means that apps can teach learners the basics of a language; Enough to be able to read some subway signs or ask directions to a destination, but to use the language comfortably and effectively in a school or workplace environment, he will need more practice.

Plonsky also points to another limitation: Many apps don't provide clear and detailed explanations of grammar, while adults often want to understand the structure of language and how its rules work in detail.

Culture is also one of the important aspects of language learning, which is sometimes not considered enough in these programs. Lord explains that language is always formed in the diverse and living context of human life, but apps sometimes show culture superficially and reduce it to a limited set of customs, holidays or information suitable for tourists.

Another major problem is dropping out of courses before reaching sufficient mastery. Despite the reminders and fun features, research shows that many users abandon the app before achieving the desired skill. For example, a study in 2019 showed that 64% of people stopped using the app after four months and 87% after one year.

In contrast to every thousand-day learning chain you see on social networks, there are thousands of people who give up using a language learning app after just one month. This is a big problem.

He also noted that attending language classes, whether face-to-face or online, creates a social expectation for regular attendance and active participation; A factor that can help to continue the learning path.

Expert advice for learning a new language

Considering the advantages and limitations of language teaching applications, experts recommend using these tools, but learning should not be limited to them. Plonsky said about this:

Be sure to use applications. At least in the early stages, they are probably one of the most efficient ways to learn and are fun at the same time.

Lord also sees these programs as a good starting point, and Isbell recommends that language learners use them to increase their practice and daily exposure to the new language.

However, other opportunities for practical language use should be found. Lord believes that the best situation is for the language learner to be in an environment where the target language is spoken. If this is not possible, it is better to choose the most interactive method available, which in many cases means participating in a face-to-face or online language class.

Watching movies and series, listening to podcasts and music in the target language can also be helpful. Lord explains that these activities help the language learner become familiar with the sounds of the language, the tone of conversations, and the cultural norms that affect communication between people.

For example, Isabel said about learning Korean:

You can learn some of the basics of Korean with an app like Duolingo, but it's better to also watch Korean dramas and pay more attention to listening to conversations instead of reading subtitles.

Finally, language learning apps are useful tools to start learning, increase vocabulary, and create a daily habit, but to achieve true mastery, they must be combined with conversations with other people, attending classes, and continuous exposure to real language content.