As the world becomes increasingly connected, the importance of learning a second language has become more evident than ever. With the rise of apps and online platforms, learning a new language has never been easier. One such platform that has gained immense popularity is Duolingo, with 46.6 million people logging in every day to improve their language skills. I, as an editor and one of those 46.6 million users, recently had the opportunity to put my Spanish lessons to the test in the real world. I travelled to Malaga, Spain to see if all those hours spent on Duolingo would truly count for something.
My journey began with a sense of excitement and a bit of nervousness. I had been using Duolingo for several months, diligently completing my daily lessons and earning streaks. But now, I was about to see if all that effort would pay off. As I arrived in Malaga, I was greeted with the warm Spanish sun and the sound of the language I had been practicing for so long. It was time to put my skills to the test.
My first stop was a local café, where I confidently ordered my morning coffee in Spanish. To my surprise, the barista responded in Spanish and we engaged in a short conversation. I was thrilled to find that I could understand and respond without any hesitation. This was just the beginning of my journey, and I was already feeling confident in my abilities.
As I explored the city, I found myself surrounded by the language I had been learning. From street signs to menus, everything was in Spanish. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt a sense of familiarity. Thanks to Duolingo, I was able to navigate my way through the city with ease. I could understand the locals and even have small conversations with them. It was an incredible feeling to see my hard work paying off.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress in Malaga. As I walked through the ancient ruins, my tour guide explained the history of the place in Spanish. To my surprise, I could understand most of what she was saying. I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience and appreciate the beauty of the place. It was a moment of pride for me, knowing that my dedication to learning Spanish had allowed me to fully enjoy this cultural experience.
My trip also included a visit to a local market, where I put my bargaining skills to the test. I was able to communicate with the vendors in Spanish and negotiate for the best price. It was a fun and challenging experience, and I was amazed at how much I had learned through Duolingo. I even managed to make some new friends along the way, all thanks to my newfound language skills.
As my trip came to an end, I reflected on my experience in Malaga. I was amazed at how much I had learned and how confident I had become in speaking Spanish. Duolingo had not only taught me the language but had also given me the confidence to use it in the real world. I no longer felt like a tourist but rather a part of the local community.
My journey in Malaga proved to me that Duolingo is more than just an app for language learning. It is a gateway to a new world, where language barriers are broken, and cultural experiences are enhanced. It is a platform that not only teaches you a language but also immerses you in the culture and traditions of a country. And as one of the 46.6 million people who log into Duolingo every day, I can confidently say that all those Spanish lessons do count for something in the real world.
So, to all the language learners out there, keep practicing on Duolingo. Your hard work will pay off, and you will be amazed at how much you can achieve. As for me, I am already planning my next trip to a Spanish-speaking country, and I can’t wait to put my skills to the test again. Adiós for now, but I’ll be back, gracias to Duolingo.
