Research Article

Students’ Perceptions of Duolingo in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language

Volume: 5 Number: Özel Sayı December 31, 2025
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