TR
EN
Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language
Abstract
This study examines the use of Duolingo as a mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) tool for learners of Turkish, ranging from A1 to C1 proficiency levels, over a six-week period. The study aims to gather insights on students' experiences with Duolingo for Turkish language learning. The primary objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of Duolingo in supporting the learning of Turkish as a foreign language, based on student feedback, and to identify areas where the app could be improved. Data was collected through a semi-structured form with 117 Turkish language learners conducted in classroom settings after a guided Duolingo session; the interview form was administered individually and responses were in written format. The interviews focused on students' experiences using the Duolingo app, including their opinions on its usability and suggestions for improvements. Students expressed overall satisfaction with the app, appreciating its user-friendly interface. However, they highlighted several areas for improvement, such as the need for more speaking activities, a broader range of language options for Turkish instruction, and integration with live or AI-based speaking tools. The findings suggest that Duolingo is a valuable tool for both individual and classroom-based learning. However, incorporating more speaking-focused activities and enhancing the app's ability to personalize the learning experience could significantly increase its educational value, providing a more balanced and comprehensive language learning experience.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
No financial support was received from any institution for study.
Ethical Statement
Yildiz Technical University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Date: 09.07.2024, Number: 20240703122
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Turkish Education
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
December 31, 2025
Submission Date
September 24, 2025
Acceptance Date
December 13, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: Özel Sayı
APA
Tekin, E., & Karakahraman, Y. (2025). Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language. Uluslararası Türkçe Öğretimi Araştırmaları Dergisi, 5(Özel Sayı), 237-255. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17835486
AMA
1.Tekin E, Karakahraman Y. Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language. (IJRTT). 2025;5(Özel Sayı):237-255. doi:10.5281/zenodo.17835486
Chicago
Tekin, Eda, and Yusuf Karakahraman. 2025. “Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish As a Foreign Language”. Uluslararası Türkçe Öğretimi Araştırmaları Dergisi 5 (Özel Sayı): 237-55. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17835486.
EndNote
Tekin E, Karakahraman Y (December 1, 2025) Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language. Uluslararası Türkçe Öğretimi Araştırmaları Dergisi 5 Özel Sayı 237–255.
IEEE
[1]E. Tekin and Y. Karakahraman, “Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language”, (IJRTT), vol. 5, no. Özel Sayı, pp. 237–255, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.17835486.
ISNAD
Tekin, Eda - Karakahraman, Yusuf. “Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish As a Foreign Language”. Uluslararası Türkçe Öğretimi Araştırmaları Dergisi 5/Özel Sayı (December 1, 2025): 237-255. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17835486.
JAMA
1.Tekin E, Karakahraman Y. Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language. (IJRTT). 2025;5:237–255.
MLA
Tekin, Eda, and Yusuf Karakahraman. “Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish As a Foreign Language”. Uluslararası Türkçe Öğretimi Araştırmaları Dergisi, vol. 5, no. Özel Sayı, Dec. 2025, pp. 237-55, doi:10.5281/zenodo.17835486.
Vancouver
1.Eda Tekin, Yusuf Karakahraman. Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language. (IJRTT). 2025 Dec. 1;5(Özel Sayı):237-55. doi:10.5281/zenodo.17835486