Learning Italian in Nepal with Duolingo

You might be wondering why I am also “Learning Italian.” Well, two years ago when lockdowns started, my younger brother started learning Italian. He has been using the Duolingo app. None of my family has ever had much interest in languages. So, it surprised me he started learning. He has stuck with it so much so that he has a 700-day streak going. He said the biggest problem now is he didn’t have anyone to speak Italian with. So, I decided to join him and learn some Italian.

I too have started using the Duolingo app. I know I won’t be conversational using only the Duolingo app. But what it does is, it helps me build a habit learning Italian while increasing my vocabulary. Later I will need more resources to take my Italian to higher levels.

I’ve put together this list of resources, both for my future self and for you if you need them.

Pages with Recommended Links

Websites/Apps

Duolingo.com – Free Language Learning site/app
MangoLanguages.com – free with a library card
50languages.com – huge bank of common phrases and sentences

Anki (flashcard) App

Anki is a free and open-source flashcard program that uses spaced repetition. “Spaced Repetition” is a technique from cognitive science for fast and long-lasting memorization. “Anki” is the Japanese word for “memorization”.

I’ve been using Anki to learn all my languages for years and swear by it.

https://apps.ankiweb .net – Anki download (iOS=$, Mac-Windows-Android=free)
Italian flashcard deck for Anki (if you don’t want to make your own)

Test Your Progress

Italian Test – an online Italian test with 150 questions, divided into three levels of difficulty, and will take an estimated 40 to 55 minutes to complete, depending on your level.

Why Learn Italian?

Approximately 63 million people around the world speak Italian as their first language. It’s ranked as the 20th most-spoken language in the world. Italian is also one of the official languages of Switzerland.