This Week’s Say

Dear Duo Lingo,

Mi dispiace.

When I first found you, the lit-up loading symbol of your downloading on my phone, instilled light in my life. You reminded me of all the great things I had learnt in my early years at school in Italian lessons. But with you, it was different.

Unlike with my teachers, I wouldn’t get reprimanded if I said the wrong thing; your empathetic approach is something I have always valued. You took reigniting my love for the language under your tiny wing.

“Got 3 minutes? That’s all you need to ace today’s lesson”, Duo Lingo, June 10th, 2025.

Those eleven optimistic words, I never heard from my Italian teacher. Your belief in what I can learn in 180 seconds is encouraging, flattering and touching.

Hanging out with you, little green bird, was my favourite part of my evenings. I took advantage of your care for my learning, nay, I still do. Most times, I learnt something new, playing through each of your levels: successfully jumping hurdles you set out to supposedly teach me more.

Our time spent together is always enjoyable, so why must we have such a complicated relationship?

So again, mi dispiace verde uccellino.

Grazie per tutto.