I’d like to tell you about a website that I’ve really loved lately. It’s become a big part of my everyday routine, and I’m really enjoying it every time I log on.

It’s called Duolingo, and it’s a language learning website, found at  www.duolingo.com. I took French in school for seven years, and I was pretty good at it. I love the language, but it’s never been something that I’ve put real effort into, and I'm certainly not as fluent as I'd like to be. I always wanted to, but never got around to it. I tried Rosetta Stone, and even looked into doing a full-immersion summer, but none of it panned out.

My friend Patrick posted about Duolingo on his Facebook and I decided to give it a try. I've linked their promo video here:

In each unit, you’re given a category of phrases to work through, using exercises that are multiple-choice, listen to the French and type the English translation, read and listen to the French and type the English translation, or read the English and type the French translation. The multiple choice ones are the easiest, and the listening to the French and typing English ones are the hardest, but it’s certainly not too difficult for a beginner.

In each section, of each module, you get three “hearts” which correspond to your four lives while you are working through the exercises. If you get a translation wrong you lose a heart, and when you have gotten four wrong, you have to do the section again. The little Duolingo mascot, the owl, cries when you have to restart too. It’s kind of sad.

The thing that I really love is that if you already have some knowledge, you can test out of a unit right away, and can move onto the next. That way, you know exactly where you should be starting.

Also, when you’re done with a unit, you can work translating actual web pages. They’re mostly from Wikipedia, but it helps you get accustomed to the rhythm and cadence of how writing is supposed to actually be, as well as a few slangy-type terms. It’s great practice.

The phrases do get repetitive after what feels like the millionth time type “The black duck eats fish” but I undoubtedly am learning. As well, the computer that does the correcting is very particular. Often there is only one “correct” term, and if you phrase your answer differently, you are marked wrong. The website recommends practicing at least a little each day to get the best results, and I have been doing my best to make that happen. My usual routine is that I get up in the morning, and after my shower, I sit down and do at least one section of French. In the afternoon, if I have time, I try to do a couple more, and as I mentioned, my French has certainly improved.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get some practice on a language. It takes just a few minutes a day (really!) and if you really put your mind to it, it’s a sure-fire way to learn. And, if French isn’t your cup of tea, you can try German, Spanish, or English. 

If you decide to check out Duolingo, we can be friends if you'd like! My username is, predictably, EverydayCait.