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Telugu, a historic Dravidian language with roots from around 600 BCE or even earlier, is primarily spoken in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With over 80 million native speakers worldwide, Telugu is one of the most widely spoken languages in Asia.
Like Tamil, Marathi, Kannada, and Malayalam, Telugu is a classical language of India, owing to its antiquity and lyrical beauty. And just like these other languages, Telugu also has a rich literary tradition.
Today, Telugu is spoken not just in India but by Telugu Americans in the US too. It is also the language of Telugu cinema a.k.a. Tollywood.
Whether you’re interested in exploring Telugu literature and movies, connecting with Telugu-speaking communities, gaining career opportunities in India, or simply challenging your linguistic abilities, learning this beautiful language can be a rewarding experience.
Where do you start though? Many language learners start studying on beginner-friendly apps like Duolingo. Sadly, a Duolingo Telugu course is not yet available.
The good news is that there are several Duolingo alternatives that you can turn to.
Why is Telugu not on Duolingo?
Duolingo is the most popular language-learning platform today, thanks to its gamified interface and freemium model. While it won’t make you fluent, it’s great for acquiring vocabulary, understanding grammar, and developing conversational skills to an extent. At the very least, you’ll have fun while learning languages.
As of writing, Duolingo has 42 language courses, with a good mix of popular and lesser-known tongues. It even has conlangs like Esperanto and High Valyrian. Despite its impressive range of courses, however, Telugu is not currently available on the platform.
Several factors may contribute to this absence. One possibility is the relatively low global demand for Telugu compared to other languages. Additionally, creating a comprehensive language course requires significant resources, including expert linguists and educators. Given the complexity of the Telugu language, with its unique script and grammatical structure, developing a high-quality course might be a particularly challenging endeavor.
What’s more, Duolingo has ended its Incubator and volunteer contribution program, which previously allowed community members to develop language courses. The platform has shifted its focus to improving existing courses and introducing innovative features, and new language additions have been rare these days.
The best Duolingo alternatives for learning Telugu
Fortunately, there are several apps for learning Telugu. Whether you aim to expand your Telugu vocabulary, learn how to speak Telugu, or master the Telugu script, these apps will prove useful.
1. Ling
Ling’s Telugu course offers a fun and effective way to learn this beautiful Dravidian language. The lessons are designed to be both entertaining and informative, with a mix of games, quizzes, and audio clips to keep you engaged.
Ling is particularly helpful in vocabulary building. But it doesn’t shy away from grammar; there are actually lots of grammar lessons on Ling. The best part is that you can practice what you’ve learned by conversing with the Ling chatbot, which also improves your listening and speaking skills.
Plus, if you’re interested in learning the Telugu script, Ling includes finger-tracing exercises to help you master the unique characters.
Key features:
- Gamified exercises that teach vocabulary and grammar
- Chatbot for conversational practice
- Writing exercises
2. uTalk
uTalk is another fun app that offers a user-friendly language learning experience. With over 2,500 words and phrases covering 60+ topics, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to expand your vocabulary and conversational skills.
This platform features a variety of game-based exercises, such as matching photos with audio clips and memory games, to make learning fun and engaging. Additionally, the course provides Telugu spellings, Romanization, and translations of Telugu phrases. However, the Telugu script and grammar aren’t explicitly taught.
One of uTalk’s best features is the option to record your voice and compare it to native speakers. With daily practice, this feature can help you improve your pronunciation and accent.
Key features:
- A huge library of Telugu vocabulary
- Games to improve your recall of Telugu words and phrases
- Lots of listening and speaking exercises
3. Language Curry
Learn Telugu on Language Curry
Language Curry is a language learning app that specializes in teaching Indian languages, including Telugu. Like the earlier apps, it also offers a gamified learning experience.
The app takes a conversational approach, prioritizing the learning of colloquial language and pronunciation over formal grammar rules. It uses vocabulary flashcards and interactive exercises so you can build a strong foundation in Telugu.
Apart from the language lessons, Language Curry also offers valuable cultural insights into Telugu-speaking regions. This helps you understand the context of the language and its nuances. And for those who prefer one-on-one instruction, the app also gives the option to learn from live Telugu tutors.
Key features:
- Ideal for learning colloquial language
- Speaking practice with talk back and record modes
- Live classes with Telugu tutors
Other great resources for learning Telugu
For a well-rounded Telugu learning journey, I suggest going beyond apps. You can sign up for online courses or live teachers, read Telugu books, or immerse yourself in more Telugu content to master this language.
italki: This platform offers a flexible and personalized approach to learning Telugu. You can choose from a wide range of experienced tutors, each with their own teaching style and expertise. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, you can find a tutor who aligns with your specific learning goals, budget, and schedule. Alternatively, you can look for Telugu tutors on Preply.
Cudoo: This Telugu course consists of one level with 20 lessons, covering essential vocabulary and grammar. With full lifetime access, you can learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed. Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate to showcase your achievement.
- D, SANJAY (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 311 Pages – 06/22/2019 (Publication Date) – SANJAY D (Publisher)
Spoken Telugu for Absolute Beginners: This comprehensive guide for those starting their Telugu language journey provides a solid foundation in basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It includes practical exercises, clear explanations, dialogues, and engaging examples to help you develop conversational skills.
Mango Languages: This immersive platform combines language learning with cultural insights. The course is designed to help you develop practical language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It comes with interactive exercises, real-world scenarios, and audio recorded by native speakers.
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 04/30/2017 (Publication Date) – Hippocrene Books (Publisher)
Telugu-English/English-Telugu Dictionary & Phrasebook: A handy tool for learners and travelers, this book provides a vast vocabulary of words and phrases, along with their English translations. The phrasebook section offers useful phrases for common situations, such as travel, dining, and shopping.
Udemy: Designed for absolute beginners, the “Learn Telugu through English” course on Udemy covers essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and conversational phrases. With a focus on practical language skills, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, greet others, and engage in simple conversations.
Netflix and YouTube: While Netflix and YouTube aren’t traditional language learning platforms, they can be valuable (and fun!) resources for Telugu learners. By watching Telugu movies, TV shows, and music videos, you can immerse yourself in the language and culture. You can also find numerous Telugu language tutorials, vlogs, and educational videos on YouTube, which can supplement your formal language learning.
Conclusion
The absence of a Duolingo Telugu is unfortunate but it doesn’t have to stop you from taking up this beautiful language. And lucky for you, there are several apps, courses, books, and other resources that can help you learn Telugu.
Remember though, that more than the tools, it’s your willingness and determination to learn that’ll help you reach your goals. Stay committed and disciplined, and enjoy the journey!