Duolingo and Armenian: What’s Available Right Now
As of now, Duolingo doesn’t offer a dedicated Armenian course. That can feel disappointing, but it’s not a dealbreaker. You can recreate the same short, gamified study bursts using a mix of free online resources and an SRS (spaced repetition) app for vocab.
Think of this as a Duolingo-inspired plan: bite-size lessons, streaks, and quick wins. Pick one primary learning app or site for structure, add daily flashcards, and layer in listening and speaking practice. Beginners progress fastest when they keep the routine simple and consistent.
- Check Duolingo updates occasionally for Armenian news.
- Use a flashcard app (e.g., Anki) for spaced repetition.
- Follow one main course, then supplement with short videos.
- Track a daily streak and celebrate small milestones.
The Armenian Alphabet: Fast, Friendly Basics
Good news: the Armenian alphabet is logical and written left to right. Modern Eastern Armenian uses 39 letters. Mastering the alphabet early improves your reading, pronunciation, and confidence—especially with names, menus, and signs.
Start with a printable PDF alphabet chart and a few high-frequency letters each day. Pair letters with example words and audio so you learn sound-to-symbol connections. Even 10 minutes of reading practice daily can transform your beginner experience within a week.
- Print a free Armenian alphabet PDF for quick reference.
- Practice letter groups (3–5 per day) with audio.
- Write each letter by hand to lock in shapes.
- Read simple words aloud to build pronunciation.
A Simple Beginner Routine (App + Audio + Speaking)
A balanced routine keeps things fun and sticky. Aim for 15–25 minutes on weekdays and a bit more on weekends. As a beginner, consistency beats intensity—short daily wins add up fast.
Structure your study in three parts: core lesson, vocab review, and speaking. Use an app or online course for guided lessons, flashcards for review, and short shadowing sessions (repeat after native audio) to train your ear and mouth together.
- 5–10 min: Core lesson (new grammar/phrases).
- 5–10 min: Flashcards with SRS for retention.
- 3–5 min: Shadow audio (repeat with rhythm).
- Weekly: Record yourself and compare to native audio.
Free Online Resources and Handy PDFs
You can learn a lot without paying. Look for university handouts, cultural center worksheets, and open-source PDFs covering the alphabet, basic phrases, and beginner grammar. Combine these with short YouTube clips for listening practice.
Keep a tiny toolkit: an online Armenian keyboard for typing, a bilingual dictionary, and a verb chart. Save PDFs to your phone so you can revise offline—perfect for bus rides and coffee breaks.
- Alphabet and handwriting PDFs (print and annotate).
- Beginner phrase sheets with transliteration.
- Online dictionary and verb tables for quick checks.
- YouTube mini-lessons for pronunciation and listening.
Starter Goals and Useful Phrases for Beginners
Set clear, tiny goals: read all letters, introduce yourself, order coffee, and ask prices. Track what you can do, not just what you’ve studied. This keeps motivation high while you learn steadily.
Try these everyday phrases (Eastern Armenian): Բարեւ/Բարև Barev (Hello), Շնորհակալություն Shnorhakalutyun (Thank you), Ինչպե՞ս ես։ Inchpes es? (How are you?), Ես ... եմ։ Yes ... em. (I am ...), Սուրճ, խնդրում եմ Surj, khndrum em (Coffee, please). Practice out loud and record yourself weekly.
- Goal: read the full alphabet in two weeks.
- Learn 20 core verbs in the present tense.
- Memorize polite phrases for shops and cafes.
- Build a 200–300 word beginner vocabulary bank.
FAQ
- Is Armenian available on Duolingo?
- Not at the moment. Keep an eye on Duolingo announcements, but don’t wait to start—use free online lessons, PDFs, and a flashcard app to build a Duolingo-style routine today.
- Should I learn Eastern or Western Armenian as a beginner?
- Choose the variety you’ll use most. Eastern Armenian is common in Armenia and many online courses, while Western Armenian is used widely in the diaspora. Either is fine—just stick to one at first.
- How long to reach A1–A2 in Armenian?
- With 20–30 minutes daily, many beginners can reach A1 in 8–12 weeks and A2 in a few more months. Progress depends on consistency, speaking practice, and regular review.
- Where can I get a free Armenian alphabet PDF?
- Search for “Armenian alphabet PDF” from universities, cultural centers, or reputable language blogs. Print it or save it to your phone for quick reference while you practice.
- Do I need an Armenian keyboard to learn online?
- It helps. Start with an online Armenian keyboard for practice, then add the Armenian layout to your phone or computer. Typing early reinforces the alphabet and speeds up learning.