Does Duolingo Have an ASL Course?

We live in a time where nearly everyone owns a smartphone and can easily access the Internet, making information just a few clicks away. One significant benefit of this digital era is that language barriers are rapidly diminishing. With translation tools like Google Translate, you can quickly translate any foreign language and receive instant results.

Another major advantage is the ease with which we can learn new languages using a variety of apps. Duolingo stands out as a popular language-learning app, offering to teach nearly every language—including some fictional ones, such as High Valyrian from the TV show Game of Thrones. But does Duolingo include ASL among its wide array of languages? Let’s explore this question together.

When you launch Duolingo, it first asks you which language you want to learn and whether you are a beginner. Based on your preferences, the app creates a personalized learning journey made up of milestones called levels. Each level contains several lessons, and multiple levels form a unit. Each unit is designed to help you master a specific aspect of the language.

The entire learning process is designed like a game, featuring classic elements such as hearts and XP (experience points). This gamified structure keeps users motivated and engaged, while effectively enhancing language retention.

What is American Sign Language (ASL)?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that relies on hand movements, facial expressions, and body gestures for communication. It serves as the primary language for many individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing in the United States and some regions of Canada. ASL plays a vital role in bridging communication gaps between the Deaf community and others.

However, like any language, ASL must be learned. Some members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community are not fluent in ASL, which may hinder effective communication. Furthermore, most hearing individuals take spoken language for granted and never learn ASL, limiting their ability to connect with others. This highlights the importance of including ASL in language-learning apps.

While ASL is primarily used in the United States, there are hundreds of different sign languages used worldwide by various communities, countries, and regions—for example, Spanish Sign Language, Italian Sign Language, and British Sign Language (BSL).

Does Duolingo Offer ASL?

Unfortunately, Duolingo does not offer ASL. This is disappointing, considering Duolingo’s status as a top language-learning platform and its inclusion of courses for lesser-known languages like Scots Gaelic (spoken by just 60,000 people) and even fictional languages such as High Valyrian from Game of Thrones.

Although there are many sign languages in use worldwide, Duolingo—being an American-based platform—should consider offering an ASL course. Doing so would benefit not just the general population but also members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community who have yet to learn ASL.