Duolingo launches 148 AI-generated language courses

Duolingo has significantly increased its selection of language courses by utilizing generative artificial intelligence to assist individuals in learning a new language and becoming multilingual.

The announcement of the new courses was made on Wednesday following criticism from tech company officials for declaring their intention to transition to an “AI-first” approach. Duolingo has plans to replace its contractors with AI technology, which has allowed for its largest expansion of language courses to date.

The newly added language courses consist of seven of the most popular non-English languages, such as Spanish, French, German, and Italian, as well as Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin, which are among the top Asian languages.

Duolingo’s CEO and co-founder, Luis von Ahn, mentioned that developing the initial 100 courses took approximately 12 years, while now they can create and launch nearly 150 new courses in about a year, showcasing how generative AI can directly benefit learners.

Previously, creating a language course was a lengthier process, but with the use of generative AI, Duolingo teams can now produce base language courses in under a year and customize them for various languages, making the learning experience more efficient.

The new courses mainly target beginners who wish to grasp the fundamentals while improving their communication skills in a new language. These courses include engaging stories that aid in enhancing reading comprehension and DuoRadio, which helps in developing listening skills.

Duolingo estimates that over a billion potential learners worldwide could access their virtual language courses, with tailored offerings available for individuals in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The current course selection caters to speakers of 28 different languages and offers learning through a user-friendly interface.

The company intends to enhance the basic courses by incorporating more advanced content for those who already possess a basic understanding of other languages. Additionally, the company made headlines last year when Russian authorities investigated Duolingo’s alleged use of LGBTQ+ characters to “promote LGBT propaganda,” as reported by Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor.