日本語を話せますか

Reflection on Self-Directed Language Learning with Duolingo

Over the years, I have made multiple attempts to learn Japanese using a variety of methods, including in-person classes, Rosetta Stone, and Duolingo. Each method has had its virtues and deficits, and through these experiences, I have come to understand some of the inherent challenges of self-directed language learning (SDLL).

In-person classes provided the most authentic learning experience compared to other methods, as they allowed me to engage directly with instructors and peers. The interactive nature and real-time feedback were invaluable, yet the structured format and fixed schedule often made it challenging to maintain consistency, especially when life got busy. Still, the immersive aspect of face-to-face communication made it the most rewarding method for language acquisition.

Rosetta Stone, on the other hand, offered the convenience of asynchronous learning, unlike in-person classes where the schedule was fixed and interaction was limited to class time. However, I found its overly formal and somewhat rigid structure, particularly the repetitive drills and lack of interactive dialogue, less conducive to conversational fluency. While it focused on grammatical accuracy and structured lessons, it often felt disconnected from the everyday use of the language. As a result, despite the flexibility, I struggled to retain what I had learned when it came to real-world application.

Duolingo presented a unique challenge compared to the other methods, combining gamification with language practice. Its gamified approach initially boosted my motivation, as the streaks and achievements created a sense of accomplishment. However, over time, I began to feel that the learning experience was more about accumulating points than truly internalizing the language. The repetitive, rote-like levels became monotonous, and the frequent notifications eventually turned from reminders to irritants, leading me to abandon the app.

Reflecting on these experiences through the lens of the article by Zixi Li and Curtis J. Bonk, I realize that my journey mirrors many of the findings from their study. The study highlights that while Duolingo can enhance motivation through its game-like design, learners often find it insufficient for achieving deeper, functional language skills. Additionally, the study acknowledges the importance of complementing Duolingo with other resources, as a single tool is rarely enough to master all aspects of a language.

I can relate to the study’s finding on self-monitoring. While Duolingo’s progress reports and notifications aim to support learning, they can feel intrusive and counterproductive when they do not align with personal learning rhythms. This reflects the broader challenge of technology-based language learning, where maintaining engagement without feeling overwhelmed by notifications becomes a delicate balance.

Looking ahead, I am hopeful that advancements in AI might finally help me achieve my goal of learning Japanese. Unlike previous methods that often felt rigid or overly simplified, AI-driven platforms have the potential to adapt to my individual learning style and provide more nuanced, context-rich practice. It would be amazing if future AI-driven platforms could offer more personalized and context-aware learning experiences that go beyond rote memorization. As technology continues to evolve, I look forward to seeing how these tools adapt to support deeper and more meaningful language acquisition.

Despite these varied experiences, I still really want to learn Japanese, but I have yet to discover my own learning pathway that truly works for me.

Overall, this reflection has allowed me to understand that successful self-directed language learning often requires a thoughtful combination of methods tailored to personal preferences and goals. The contrast between the immersive yet time-bound nature of in-person classes, the structured but rigid approach of Rosetta Stone, and the gamified yet surface-level practice of Duolingo highlights the need for a balanced, multifaceted approach to truly mastering a language. While each tool has its place, achieving true language proficiency demands integrating authentic communication opportunities with structured practice and self-monitoring strategies.

References
Li, Z., & Bonk, C. J. (2023). Self-directed language learning with Duolingo in an out-of-class context. Computer Assisted Language Learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2023.2206874