There are plenty of benefits to learning a new language. And whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, there’s no shortage of people interested in becoming bilingual. When it’s time to embark on this journey, many first-time learners turn to language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise.

But the million-dollar question is: can these technological wonders make you fluent, or are they an exercise in futility? The answer isn’t straightforward. 

Let’s take a closer look at the world of language learning apps and find out the best method to become fluent in your language of choice.

Understanding fluency

To answer the original question, we must first understand fluency. For many, fluency is a crucial milestone in language learning, representing the ability to communicate ideas and thoughts effectively and effortlessly. Rather than the absence of mistakes in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, fluency is the bridge between basic understanding and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations.

Too often, fluency is conflated with proficiency. The latter goes further — it encompasses a broader spectrum of language skills, including a deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context. While it’s a valid goal, most people don’t need to achieve proficiency to be able to communicate and be understood. 

Measuring fluency can be subjective, as it involves assessing comfort and ease in communication. However, consistent practice, immersion in the language environment, and interaction with native speakers are effective strategies for achieving fluency. These methods help you internalize the language, making it a part of your natural communication.

An overview of Duolingo and other language learning apps

Language learning apps like Duolingo have revolutionized the way people approach language learning. They provide an accessible, engaging, and versatile approach to language acquisition, and perfectly align with our modern lifestyle, which prioritizes convenience and personalization. 

The primary appeal of language learning apps lies in their ability to fit into hectic schedules. Many learners struggle to find time for traditional language classes or may feel intimidated by the formal setting. Apps like Duolingo offer a solution by providing bite-sized lessons that can be completed at any time, making language learning more accessible and less scary. 

These apps are also very enticing because they make learning fun. Duolingo and other similar apps use gamification to make language learning more engaging and rewarding. The interactive nature of these apps, with instant feedback and progress tracking, also provides you with a sense of achievement and renewed motivation. 

Duolingo, for instance, uses a unique teaching method where learners start with simple phrases and gradually build up to more complex structures. This scaffolding approach, combined with interactive exercises and a points-based reward system, keeps learners engaged and motivated. An example of this is Duolingo's 'streak' feature, which encourages daily practice – a key factor in language retention. 

Beyond Duolingo, there are other apps available to support your language learning journey, each with its unique features. Babbel, for example, focuses more on conversational skills and practical language use, making it ideal for learners who want to quickly start speaking their new language. Rosetta Stone uses immersive methods, teaching entirely in the target language to simulate natural language acquisition. 

The pros and cons of language learning apps

In your journey towards language fluency, what are the most relevant benefits and downsides of language learning apps to take into account? At a glance:

The pros of language learning apps:

• Convenience: Apps offer the flexibility to learn anytime and anywhere. 

• Self-Paced Learning: You can learn at your own speed and according to your own schedule. 

• Cost-Effective: Many language learning apps are free or offer affordable subscription models. 

• Continuous Learning: Apps provide ongoing learning opportunities with regular updates and new content. 

• Community and Support: Many apps offer community support, forums, and peer-reviewed feedback. 

The cons of language learning apps:

• Lack of Speaking Practice: Apps often do not provide adequate opportunities for real-world speaking practice.

• Limited Cultural Exposure: There is often a lack of cultural context and immersion in the language learning process. 

• Overreliance on Technology: Excessive dependence on apps can lead to a lack of engagement with native speakers and real-life language use. 

• App Limited Feedback: Mobile apps offer very little to no feedback, which can hinder the learning process. 

• Inadequate Sense of Success: Apps can create a false sense of achievement without real language proficiency. 

The verdict: Combine apps and tutoring for optimal learning to achieve fluency

While language learning apps like Duolingo are a wonderful tool to enhance your knowledge, the apps alone won’t get you far in the fluency department. After 500 days of using language learning apps, reviewer Eric Ravenscraft came to the conclusion that this tech, while useful, isn’t enough. In a New York Times article, he writes that “there simply aren’t lessons to teach you, for example, how to have a complex conversation about banking regulations or astrophysics or whatever your field of expertise,” he explains. “It also means that if you stick solely to the lesson plans in each app, you won’t communicate with another person.”

Ravenscraft adds that “language apps are not other humans. (...) the entire point of learning a language is to communicate with other people. You can learn as many words or sentences as you want, but until you’re able to have a conversation with another person, you’ll never be fluent. (...) For that reason alone, learning a language with an app should be a starting point, not the end.”

But that doesn’t mean you should completely quit language learning apps — in fact, when used in tandem with good old one-on-one tutoring, language learning apps can give you a serious boost.

Here’s the gist: language learners often face challenges like limited time, varying proficiency levels, and specific learning objectives. Language learning apps offer flexibility and a self-paced learning environment, which is crucial for those with busy schedules. However, these apps alone may not address all aspects of language learning, particularly advanced conversation skills and cultural nuances. One-on-one tutoring fills this gap by providing personalized attention, immediate feedback, and real-world language practice, crucial for achieving both fluency and advanced language proficiency.