There are approximately 112 million Persian (Farsi) speakers around the world, with 50 million of those people speaking it as their second language. Due to its prominence, it may be a good reason to learn it.
Duolingo is a great platform for learning multiple languages, but does this include Farsi? Let’s learn about some amazing Duolingo alternative apps and easy ways to learn Farsi.
Does Duolingo Have Farsi?
Currently, Duolingo does not offer a Farsi course. If the next app you think of is Babbel, Farsi is not there either.
If you’re disappointed that Duolingo doesn’t offer Farsi, don’t worry! There are plenty of other app options which we will outline below.
Why Doesn’t Duolingo Have Farsi?
Although there is no definitive answer why Duolingo doesn’t have Farsi, there are a few possible reasons.
Creating a language course takes a lot of resources, such as money, time, and a team of dedicated people. Duolingo has paid staff and no longer accepts volunteers to create the language courses. There may not be incentive to create the Farsi course.
Moreover, Duolingo may prioritize languages based on user demand and available resources. Perhaps there may not be enough demand to learn Farsi at this time. It is not one of the top languages English speakers desire to learn.
But if you are eyeing Duolingo incubator for a Farsi course, its plans doesn’t show Farsi. So, we don’t know whether Duolingo Farsi will be available in the future or not. However, there are other apps you can use to learn the Farsi language from.
Who Speaks Farsi?
Farsi is an interesting language because it has a rich history and cultural importance.
Persian today is spoken primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. The language is known as Farsi in Iran, Dari in Afghanistan, and Tajik in Tajikistan.
Moreover, the diaspora communities around the world, including the United States, Canada, and various European countries, also speak Farsi.
Is Farsi Hard To Learn?
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Farsi is a Category III language or among the “Hard languages.” This means Farsi may be hard to learn for English speakers.
Farsi script may seem intimidating, but its grammar is quite simple. It doesn’t have adjective inflection, irregular verbs, or gender. This makes Persian easy to understand and learn.
Talking about the script, it is cursive. This may make it difficult to read if you are new to Persian.
As mentioned earlier, Farsi has different standard forms. Hence, there is also a difference between written and spoken language. You will see the Persian alphabet in Iran and Afghanistan and the Tajik alphabet in Tajikistan.
Tajik is the derivative of Cyrillic script, whereas Persian is the derivative of Arabic script. People who know Arabic and Cyrillic scripts may find it somewhat easier to learn Farsi.
However, English speakers may find some similarities in sentence structure and basic vocabulary, as Farsi is an Indo-European language. However, learning a new language requires consistent practice and exposure.
Which language Is closest to Farsi?
Farsi belongs to the Indo-Iranian language family. It also shares similarities with other languages in the family. The closest language to Farsi is Dari, which Afghanistan natives speak. These are the two accents of the same language.
Additionally, Tajik, spoken in Tajikistan, and Kurdish also have some linguistic connections with Farsi.
Best Ways To Learn Farsi:
When it comes to learning Farsi, there are various effective approaches at your disposal. You can opt to enroll in a formal Farsi language course or hire a tutor.
Another option is to participate in language exchange programs, where you can engage with native Farsi speakers.
Additionally, having a proper schedule, dedication, and access to the right resources can make the process of learning Farsi much more manageable. Rest assured, with the right approach and commitment, mastering Farsi is an achievable goal.
What Apps Can I Use To Learn Farsi?
Below are the top-rated apps for learning Farsi.
Pimsleur
With a rating of 4.4/5 on the Google Play Store, Pimsleur uses science-backed methods to learn new languages. It offers audio-based language courses, including Farsi. You listen to daily conversations without the need to memorize complex grammatical rules.
Through its unique approach, Pimsleur focuses on developing conversational skills. It utilizes spaced repetition and natural language patterns.
Pimsleur offers you a 7-day free trial. And if you like what you get, you can buy its subscription plan, which starts at $14.95/month.
Pros:
- It emphasizes fluency and practical conversations.
- Convenient audio format that fits into your daily routine.
Cons:
- Provides limited written exercises.
- Less focus on reading and writing skills.
2. Drops
Drops-Learn Persian Language offers a unique and effective way to learn Persian through visual illustrations. Visual illustrations eliminate the need for an intermediary language. This means you don’t have to go through the extra step of translating to and from your native language. This direct approach enhances learning speed and enables you to think in Persian from the start.
Drops focus on speed, retention, and enjoyment. It provides an immersive and engaging language learning experience.
Drops has a rating of 4.7/5 on Google Play. It doesn’t have a free trial but it offers you to learn Farsi 5 minutes every day. To enjoy all its features, you need to subscribe. Its premium plan starts at $13 per month.
Pros:
- Interactive and visually appealing design
- Fun and engaging
- Best to build Farsi vocabulary
Cons:
- Don’t focus much on the alphabet and how to write it in Farsi
- Less focus on grammar essentials
- Limited free version
3. Rosetta Stone
While Duolingo Farsi is not available, Farsi on Rosetta Stone gives you the best immersive experience. It emphasizes visual learning and contextual understanding. Rosetta Stone also focuses on speaking practice to build your Farsi skills. It has a rating of 4.6/5 on Google Play Store.
It offers bite-sized lessons that keep you engaged and help you stay focused. And its speech recognition technology improves your pronunciation.
This app is expensive compared to other apps that will help you learn Farsi. Its 3-month subscription plan costs $39.57, which you pay at once.
Pros:
- Immersive learning experience
- Visual learning approach
- Contextual understanding
- Speech practice
- Suitable for all proficiency levels
Cons:
- Teaches formal language
- May lack in-depth grammar explanations
- Expensive compared to others
4. Italki:
iTalki is a popular language-learning platform with a rating of 4.8/5 on the Google App Store. iTalki connects language learners with professional language teachers. Here, you can find qualified Farsi teachers who offer personalized lessons. They tailor the lessons to your learning needs.
iTalki provides a convenient and flexible way to learn Farsi through one-on-one online lessons. Using iTalki enables you to practice speaking and improve how you pronounce words. You will feel more confident when using the language.
iTalki pricing options depend on the teacher and lesson duration. The prices can vary, but you can generally find Farsi lessons from around $10 to $30 per hour.
Pros:
- Enhances your understanding of the language and foster cultural appreciation
- Speaking and pronunciation practice
- Personalized learning experience that focuses on areas you want to improve
Cons:
- Individual lessons with professional teachers can be more expensive
- Flexibility in scheduling may vary depending on teacher availability
These are a few app alternatives to Duolingo to help you learn Farsi. In addition, you can try some other apps, such as Mango Languages, Mondly, LingQ, Lili and Lola, and Clozemaster. Chai with Conversation, Farsi Monde, and PersianPod 101 are other great resources to learn Persian.
Conclusion
While you can’t get Duolingo Farsi for now, other amazing apps are available.
Considering the amount of time we spend on our phones and tablets each day, apps can be a valuable tool in your language learning journey. Don’t forget to practice speaking with others and being consistent.
Good luck on your journey to fluency!
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.