Does Duolingo Have Sign Language?
Since the launch of Duolingo, language learning has become easy and convenient, especially for those people who cannot afford expensive live classes or don’t have time to attend language classes. Duolingo provides a developed platform with many features that help them in their language-learning journey.
Currently, Duolingo teaches 40+ languages that are spoken all over the world on its platform. So, what about sign language? People who want to learn sign language have a major concern about whether Duolingo has sign language or not. Well, sign language is a bit technical, and it does not go with Duolingo’s current methods of teaching a language.
CHECK: Does Duolingo Have ASL? (American Sign Language)
In this article, I will be discussing whether you can learn sign language on Duolingo and the reasons for and problems of teaching sign language on Duolingo.
Sign Language Course and Duolingo
Duolingo uses a gamified approach to teach and learn grammatical concepts, vocabulary, and other concepts of any language. So, does Duolingo teach ASL or BSL? Keeping in mind these approaches, sign language is not supported by Duolingo. Sign language is entirely different from spoken language.
You may think Duolingo is such a huge platform, so why can’t they make technologies and methods that support language learning and teaching? It is a technical threshold because teaching sign language with sounds and images is a passive way. Sign language is taught more effectively in an active setup.
Future of Sign Language on Duolingo
Many sign language learners are hoping for Duolingo to introduce a sign language course on their platform. Let me clarify one thing: Duolingo has no plans to launch sign language on its platform shortly. Duolingo provides insights into its upcoming language plans through “Duolingo Incubator.”
Duolingo Incubator tells us about the language on which Duolingo is working to launch on the platform shortly. However, it doesn’t have sign language yet, which means that Duolingo has no plans to launch sign language any time soon.
Development of sign language teaching on an online platform is not a simple task. It needs a whole other level of planning, tools, and methods. Maybe somewhere in the distant future, Duolingo will successfully launch it, but not for now.
Reasons for Duolingo Not Having Sign Language
Several reasons are holding back Duolingo to have sign language learning on their platform:
Course Structure Limitations
Duolingo’s course structure is based on pictures and pictorials that are ineffective in teaching sign language. Sign language learning focuses more on visual recognition, reading, and writing skills, which doesn’t resonate with Duolingo’s course structure.
Resource Allocation
Developing sign language requires proper source allocations and a deep understanding of sign language and its supporting technology. Current Duolingo resources only support spoken languages; they would need to build a whole new framework with dedicated resources for sign languages.
Logical Challenges
Teaching sign language includes unique challenges like conveying through facial features, gestures, and body language. Incorporating these dimensions into the world of digital learning is challenging. Duolingo’s digital learning offers a 2D experience, but sign language needs a 3D learning experience.
Educational Limitations
The platform for teaching sign language is minimal. You can only learn signs through digital platforms, but not body language, movements, and facial expressions, which are essential components of sign language.
Complexity of Sign Language
Sign language differs from spoken language; it has rules, gestures, and vocabulary. American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) have technicalities like grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Developing courses in this language will require specialized knowledge and expertise from the field.
Other Platforms to Consider for Sign Language Learning
Some virtual platforms support sign language learning. If you want to learn sign language via online platforms, these can be your best options with supportive language learning technology:
For American Sign Language (ASL)
| App | Features |
| SignSchool | Gamified content designed for ASL audiences. |
| Full ASL dictionary, games, and quizzes. | |
| Random sign generator for testing recognition skills. | |
| Hands-On ASL | Utilizes 3D models of hands for interactive learning. |
| Focuses on teaching the ASL alphabet and numbers one to nine. | |
| WeSign | Designed for introducing ASL to children. |
| Focuses on reading fingers to aid understanding. | |
| Fundamental app for those new to ASL. | |
| Marlee Signs | Covers basic ASL alphabet and numerical system. |
| Expands to common words and phrases for day-to-day life. | |
| Designed for beginners but goes beyond basic concepts. | |
| Drops (Scripts) | Flashcard and quiz-based approach to vocabulary. |
| Separate app, Scripts, for learning ASL. | |
| Sessions start from five minutes for convenient learning. |
For British Sign Language (BSL)
| Apps | Features |
| Lingvano | Provides 10-minute lessons to improve conversational skills. |
| Offers options for both ASL and BSL. | |
| Bright BSL | Structured similarly to Duolingo with 20 modules. |
| Uses games, quizzes, and interactive methods for learning. | |
| Categorized into different topics for comprehensive learning. | |
| Sign BSL | Serves as an online BSL dictionary. |
| Features user-created videos demonstrating signs in BSL. | |
| Offers multiple videos for each word or phrase. |
FAQs
Can you use Duolingo for sign language?
No, you cannot use Duolingo for sign language; it only supports spoken languages. You can explore other sign language applications like SignSchool, Hands-on ASL, etc.
Is there a free app to learn ASL?
SignSchool is one of the most used applications by sign language learners. It is suitable for those who want to learn ASL signs, dialects, and sign vocabulary.
Does Duolingo have BSL?
No, BSL is also a sign language, and currently, Duolingo doesn’t support any sign language learning on the platform. You can go through other BSL platforms like Sign BSL, Bright BSL, etc.
Conclusion
Now you have the answer to your question: does Duolingo have sign language or not? It doesn’t have sign language, and Duolingo has no plans to launch sign language courses on its platform shortly. Limitations like logical challenges, resource allocation, and technical support are why Duolingo cannot go side by side with sign language.
You can try alternate options, but sign language is learned better in an active setting. For more queries or information, head to the comment section below.
