Author:
Tom Neuschafer, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Abstract:
Duolingo is a gamified language learning app that improves users’ language acquisition and learning through game mechanics built into the curriculum. This research examined Spanish and German Duolingo discussion boards to assess how learners’ needs evolve as they progress from unit to unit throughout the course (beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels). This study used netnography to analyze 144 subunits in Duolingo German and 159 subunits in Duolingo Spanish. Based on the findings, non-native Duolingo Spanish users had the benefit of being immersed in discussions that included many native-speaking Duolingo Spanish users, which increased the accuracy of answers and cultural immersion in the language. These findings indicate that users on the Spanish discussion boards may be more open to tolerating ambiguity and uncertainty, which is important for learning a second language and intercultural competency. This research shows that having a culturally competent and knowledgeable user base significantly improves the emotional climate of the discussion boards, which may allow the users to more fully absorb the content and interact with other users with increased intercultural competence.

Keywords:
Online language learning, discussion boards, digital education