Duolingo has announced the rollout of 148 new language courses created using generative artificial intelligence, effectively doubling the platform’s total course offerings in less than a year. This major expansion allows speakers of all 28 supported user interface languages to access the seven most popular non-English languages on Duolingo, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. Traditionally, new course development required years of manual work; however, the company’s adoption of a ´shared content´ system powered by artificial intelligence has significantly accelerated the process, enabling efficient adaptation and customization across multiple languages.
The launch of these new courses is part of a broader strategic pivot as Duolingo embraces an ´AI-first´ business model. Internally, CEO Luis von Ahn informed staff that the company would gradually phase out external contractors in favor of automated solutions for tasks like generating course content and synthetic voices. This shift has already resulted in a reduction of contract workers by 10%, with artificial intelligence systems now handling responsibilities that were once managed by language experts and educators. Duolingo has assured that there are no current plans to reduce its full-time workforce, with each job function being evaluated individually during the transition.
Reactions to this transformation have been mixed among Duolingo users and the broader public. While the improved speed and breadth of content are praised by some, others have voiced apprehension over the potential compromise in the quality and cultural sensitivity of artificial intelligence-generated lessons. Former contractors have expressed concerns that their roles were downscaled to quality control over automated content, highlighting the tension between efficiency and human expertise. Despite these concerns, Duolingo continues to invest in artificial intelligence-driven features, such as its Duolingo Max subscription, which offers interactive chatbots and dialogue practice inspired by real-world scenarios. The company positions itself at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into language learning, seeking to balance innovation with delivering reliable educational experiences as the technological landscape evolves.
