Language learning platform Duolingo launched its free “Learn English from Punjabi” course on Monday, allowing native Punjabi speakers in India and abroad to learn English using their mother tongue. The course uses the Gurumukhi script to teach fundamental English reading, writing, and speaking skills through bite-sized, gamified lessons on the Duolingo mobile application.
Key Takeaways
- Duolingo adds Punjabi as a medium of instruction to teach English on its mobile application.
- The course uses the Gurumukhi script to guide learners through basic literacy and spoken English lessons.
- Punjabi is Duolingo’s second North Indian regional language course, joining Hindi.
- The course serves a global Punjabi-speaking population exceeding 100 million people across India, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
More than 100 million people speak Punjabi worldwide, making it one of the most common languages across South Asia and among diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and Oceania. Many students and professionals from Punjab migrate abroad each year for higher education and employment opportunities. Language tests and everyday communication in English often present initial hurdles for these individuals. By anchoring the curriculum in Gurumukhi, the platform allows beginners to study English without needing prior familiarity with another bridge language like Hindi.
Karandeep Singh Kapany, Regional Marketing Director for India and South East Asia at Duolingo, noted that the launch addresses language barriers faced by people moving abroad for education and careers. Kapany stated that offering lessons in his mother tongue helps make learning accessible and practical for students from the region.
The new offering expands Duolingo’s regional language catalogue in India. Punjabi joins existing Indian languages available on the app, which include Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil. It serves as the company’s second regional offering tailored specifically to North India after Hindi.
The curriculum follows Duolingo’s standard format, combining vocabulary drills, audio pronunciation tasks, and translation prompts that feel like quick games. Learners can practice vocabulary for daily situations, such as ordering food, introducing themselves, and asking for directions. The app tracks progress with experience points, streaks, and short review quizzes.
The “Learn English from Punjabi” course is available globally at no cost on both Android and iOS devices, as well as on the web platform. Users can access the material by changing their base language setting to Punjabi inside the Duolingo application interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the Duolingo English course in Punjabi free to use?
A1. Yes, the “Learn English from Punjabi” course is completely free to access on the Duolingo mobile app and website.
Q2. What script does the course use for Punjabi?
A2. The course uses the Gurumukhi script for all Punjabi text instructions, translations, and vocabulary prompts.
Q3. What other Indian languages does Duolingo support for learning English?
A3. Along with Punjabi, Duolingo offers English learning courses from Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil.
Q4. Who can benefit from this course?
A4. Anyone who speaks Punjabi and wants to learn English can use the course, especially students and job seekers planning to travel or work in English-speaking countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US.
