I never thought learning a language could be fun and addictive until I found Duolingo

In school, I learned to speak French and German, although much of what my teachers taught me has turned into dead matter in my brain, forever irretrievable. Every time I holiday in France or Spain, it frustrates me how little I can remember and how lost I feel being a foreign speaker.

When I studied languages 25 to 30 years ago, there were no apps to help or video calling technology where I could connect with language experts around the world. Instead, language learning involved a lot of listening and repeating, with very little besides. Meaning no disrespect to my teachers, but I think there was a better way.

It was 22 years after I left school that I found the Babbel app and was quickly able to brush up on my French and even learn some new words. More recently, Duolingo has been my ...