No Lithuanian On Duolingo?
The fact that there is no Lithuanian on Duolingo makes me sad. It always has been at the top of the list of languages I am most eager to learn. I presume that Duolingo is focusing on more popular/ more in-demand languages, so this is one that they would probably hand over to volunteers in the future.
Why Is There No Lithuanian on Duolingo?
I think there are two main reasons why there is no Lithuanian on Duolingo:
- not many English-speakers have ties to Lithuania today. Only around 4 million people in the world speak Lithuanian, of which 3 million in Lithuania. However, with Lithuania’s entry into the European Union, a large number of Lithuanians went west, so today there are more chances that English speakers will want to learn the Lithuanian language.
- Not enough resources. Unfortunately, there are not a whole lot of resources for English speakers to learn Lithuanian. There are a couple of books out there that can help but they are written in the middle of the last century (the 60s, maybe?) and are pretty dry and boring.
What Are The Chances Of Lithuanian Appearing In Duolingo?
There are languages that are already in the development phase. Whether Lithuanian language will be inserted in the language section or not depends not only on the desire and will of users willing to help create a Lithuanian language course, as well as on those who would like to learn Lithuanian but also on the assessment of people who lead this site whether they need that language. I really don’t know if and when the Lithuanian language will be taught at Duoling.
I think that the chances of the Lithuanian language appearing in that form at Duoling are very small. Since the language is not in that so-called Language Section, and since Duolingo cannot be set to the Lithuanian option, the prerequisite to be able to learn any language on this site is to know English. You may like it or not, but this is how things work on this site.
What Are The Alternatives To Duolingo?
Ling
I am glad you asked. There is one very obvious recommendation that can be made here, and that is the Ling Lithuanian app. Ling uses native Lithuanian speakers to help you learn Lithuanian just like it will sound in the country.
Through the gamification of learning, it also makes the whole process much more engaging. You can see yourself progress as you make your way through the different topics and tests that come along with it.
Then there is the chatbot feature that simulates conversations and makes for great practicing your Lithuanian language skills. For an introvert like me, it helps to build up my courage to eventually feel confident enough to use it when out and about.
While these mobile apps do share a common goal of making language learning fun and accessible, what sets Ling apart is the focus on practical vocabulary, sentences, and phrases that you will use in everyday speech.
Simply Learn
This one is actually a part of the same family as Ling. Simply Learn Lithuanian is a phrasebook in app form, giving you all the benefits that come with that. You can listen to the words and phrases being spoken by native Lithuanian speakers, along with the Lithuanian and phonetic spellings of the words.
It makes for a great companion both when practicing and when you are in Lithuanian. It makes use of flashcards and the spaced repetition learning technique that is said to really improve language learning.
It may not be the top choice if you want a deep understanding of the language but helps you start out with pronunciation and basic grammar like word order.
Other Resources
There are quite a few different apps and websites that work great with helping you to learn Lithuanian. Each one goes about its own way to replace the hole made by the lack of Lithuanian in Duolingo. Ultimately, it is a case of finding which option works best for your case.
Like we said before, it is good to make a language learning plan and mix things up if you are serious about learning Lithuanian. If you are just looking for a more casual experience to learn a few phrases before traveling, then apps might be the best option for you.
Using Ling App can be an effective way to learn Lithuanian. Besides vocabulary, the app also contains tests and learning games that make it easier to learn pronunciation better.
