Wendy Nather

After more than ten years using Duolingo, I have cancelled my subscription and deleted it from my phone.

I had started to suspect that the audio pronunciations in some languages were not correct and might be AI-generated, and now their CEO’s open embrace of AI has led me to conclude that I would be better off with a more trustworthy app featuring all-human speakers.

Recommendations for a replacement are welcome.

Apr 29, 2025 at 11:32amWeb
Show threadFabrice Roux  Apr 29, 2025
@wendynather es tu en mesure d’aller dans une boulangerie et de demander une baguette pas trop cuite ? With that much French XP you should be able to do that. 😬
Show threadExcelAnalyticsApr 29, 2025
@fabrice
<shrug>"une baguette, c'est une baguette"
Show threadZack WhittakerApr 29, 2025
@wendynather je pense que moi aussi... :( tu as une autre suggestion? source ouverte est bien.
Show threadWendy NatherApr 29, 2025
@zackwhittaker Pas encore … 😔
Show threadLowlandsApr 29, 2025
@zackwhittaker @wendynather ah merde. Je pense que Busuu peut être un autre option.
Show threadZack WhittakerApr 29, 2025
@lowlands @wendynather ah! merci beaucoup, je vais regarder... :)
Show threadAltwelthippieApr 29, 2025
@wendynather Schade, da geht mein Streak dahin. Gut zu lesen, daß wir hier nicht alleine mit derart robusten Grundsätzen unterwegs sind.
Show threadLynda DelphApr 29, 2025
@wendynather Rocket
Show threadAgentic Thought LeadershipApr 29, 2025
@wendynather depending on your fluency level, there's a site called italki.com where you use it to basically schedule zoom sessions with tutors.
Show threadWendy NatherApr 29, 2025
@malort_fatigue That sounds cool, thank you!
Show threadAdam Shostack  Apr 29, 2025
@wendynather I like memrise. there are videos of human speakers with a variety of pronunciations. The AI conversation thing is .. surprisingly useful. (Also, you can set your run streak). They will badger you to buy, they give lots of discounts if you don't buy at once.
Show thread [Sága]$ Apr 29, 2025
@wendynather Mango Languages which can be avail for free through libraries if looking for something similar to Duolingo?
infosec.exchange/@tinker/114421672415415069

If you want to go far with a particular language though you’re best served by using a learning material like an app or book series focused on that particular language
Tinker ☀️ (@[email protected])

Attached: 1 image Looking to replace Duolingo? Your library might provide you free access to Language Learning Apps. No, not CDs or cassette tapes (when was the last time you were at the library? ). Actual apps. That you download onto your phone. My library provides me access to TWO language learning apps that compete directly with Duolingo. Mango Language App and Transparent Language App. What apps does your library provide? #duolingo #library #solarPunk

Infosec Exchange
Show threadSeandar16 🔜 NJ Punk Rock FleaApr 29, 2025
@wendynather I made the switch to Wlingua for Spanish. Pretty similar to Duolingo.
Show threadExcelAnalyticsApr 29, 2025
@wendynather You've done all THOSE languages? Amazing. I can barely cope with one other.
Show threadWApr 29, 2025
@wendynather
My roommate loves pimsleur, and she’s a polyglot, just learning Russian. I’m thinking about it, I’m moving to France soon.
Show threadElizabeth ZagrobaApr 29, 2025
@wendynather I agree with the other suggestions of Babbel and Busuu. (Busuu goes to B2 level for my target language, whereas Babbel only went to A2.) Memrise is also great for starting out.
Show threadFelixApr 29, 2025
@wendynather Being a native Swede I can assure you that Duolingo’s Swedish audio nails the A in “AI” anyway.
Show threadPetraPandaApr 29, 2025
@wendynather
Find a human?
Show threadmau 🏳️‍🌈#EndFossilFuelsApr 30, 2025
@wendynather Havn't been there as long, but cancelled today for the same reason.
Show threadApicultor 🐝Apr 30, 2025
@wendynather Wow, impressionante! Ottimo lavoro!! 💪🏼
Show threadDarkCoffeeMay 1, 2025

@wendynather
Depends if you prefer free, audio, etc. I know of Mango Languages, drops, Bluebird, and a few more.

It's good to speak with your wallet sometimes, this move towards AI is ridiculous and will probably doom the company.