As the new year is now upon us, many will be starting a year of self-improvement, taking on new hobbies or skills. One of the most common new year’s resolutions is learning a new language, one that I too fell for in 2022. Of all the milestones I have achieved, none solicits a louder gasp than my Duolingo streak.
Duolingo is a language learning app with courses in more than 40 languages, offering interactive, game-like lessons to millions of users. One of its key features is a ‘streak tracker,’ quantifying the number of times a learner has completed a lesson, creating an intense, competitive culture.
Over six million of the app’s users claim to have a streak of seven or more days. Many will tell you proud tales of hitting 100 days, or more tragic stories of giving up after 12. However very few will know the superiority and power that comes with announcing that you are a true Duo-hero. I wear my 1280-day streak as a badge of honour.
With almost four years spent studying under the tutelage of the green bird many would expect me to be almost fluent in my language of choice, Swedish, but I have only been taught phrases that you cannot imagine ever needing. One particular phrase remains lodged in my memory – “Din fru sitter på en älg” – I am unsure of a circumstance in which I would have to inform someone that their wife is sat upon a moose, but should the situation present itself, I am ready!
Though the platform may be failing at its intended purpose, to teach me Swedish, it has succeeded in teaching me many other skills. Keeping my streak going has taught me to commit, spending ten minutes a day dedicating time to something. No matter where I am, at a party, out for dinner or simply sat at home, I will make time in my day to prioritise my learning.
I began my lessons on Duolingo during my final term of university. As I moved from the structured world of education to the uncertainty of graduate life, knowing that I had to continue to answer to the demands of a teacher was comforting and safe. It harvested a sense of curiosity in me to go out and explore the culture of Sweden, introducing me to a wealth of art, literature, tv and film that would have not been on my radar previously.
During a very brief stopover in Malmö, Sweden, I was able to see the fruits of my labour. Engaging with the location became much more accessible. The ease that came from being able to use what I have learnt so far to converse with the waiters and read the street signs opened up new opportunities that I had not been able to experience before.
As we head further into 2026, I have no intention of giving up my streak and am excited to learn even more about this fantastic country and language. I hope others looking to start the process will jump on board and join me in celebrating an additional 365 days of learning!