Cantonese is one of the varieties of the Chinese language. It is also known as Yue 粵. According to the Cantonese Language Association, at least 85 million people speak the language.
Duolingo Cantonese is one way to learn this interesting and diverse language. Learn about all the ways you can learn Cantonese online or on apps in this article.
Does Duolingo have Cantonese?
If your native language is Chinese, you can learn Cantonese on Duolingo. Unfortunately, no one else currently has access to this language. Mandarin Chinese is available to learn to all, however.
Why is there no Cantonese on Duolingo?
Cantonese Chinese is not available on the Duolingo app to everyone. The Chinese language version of the app received a Cantonese Chinese learning program in June 2022, but it has not yet been released to the English-speaking version of the website or app.
About 7 million people are learning Mandarin Chinese in Duolingo.
Who Speaks Cantonese?
Cantonese is spoken in the southern Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi. It is also spoken by the Chinese diaspora worldwide and in Hong Kong and Macau.
Is Cantonese Hard to Learn?
Cantonese is often referred to as a Chinese dialect, but it is quite different from Mandarin Chinese.
If you know Mandarin, it may be somewhat easier to learn because both languages are tonal, meaning different tones add different meanings to the sounds of the language.
However, if you are a native speaker of English or another language that is not tonal, you may find learning it quite challenging.
Another important thing to remember is that Cantonese has a completely different writing system than English. This increases the difficulty of learning the language.
Best Ways to Learn Cantonese
Despite Duolingo Cantonese not being an option for most people, you can learn Cantonese in several other ways.
You can take a course at a college or a community learning center, sign up for a virtual class online, or even use your smartphone app to learn Cantonese.
What Apps Can I Use To Learn Cantonese?
If you are just starting, you may want to try learning Cantonese for free.
Experts say for a native English speaker, it may take at least three years to learn Cantonese. There are some free options, but some of the most highly rated and popular options are paid.
Here are the most highly rated Cantonese apps for Apple and Android smartphones.
Pimsleur
This is one of the most popular apps for learning Cantonese. It has reading and listening lessons and a car mode for hands-free listening. It has a free weekly trial, and $20.95 a month allows access to more than 50 languages.
Ling
This website and app offer more than 60 languages with recordings of native speakers. You can play quizzes and mini-games or chat with an AI chatbot when learning Cantonese on Ling. They recommend studying at least 10 minutes a day.
Mango Languages
This website is not free, but you may be able to gain free access through your public library. Log on to your library’s website and see if they have a portal for Mango, which offers Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.
In addition to grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, you will learn about Cantonese culture on Mango.
Android Apps
Simply Learn Cantonese
This app has 4.5 stars on the Google Play marketplace and has been downloaded over 100,000 times.
Designed by language textbook designers, “Simply Learn Cantonese” boasts high-quality recordings of a native speaker, quizzes, and flashcards.
Ling Learn Chinese Language
With 4.7 stars on Google Play, this is another popular option for learning Cantonese Chinese.
The app uses puzzles, quizzes, games, and challenges to make its Chinese lessons more exciting. This is also a popular app on the Apple App Store.
Apple Apps
Cantonese by Nemo
With recordings of native speakers and a feature that judges the audio of your voice, you will be quick to master a proper Cantonese accent with this app, rated 4.7 stars on the App Store.
Reviewers say the language packs are practical and come with conversational phrases that are good to know.
Learn Cantonese Chinese & Hanzi
Designed for iPad, this app has 4.8 stars. Reviewers say the quick and easy games make learning fun.
Other Ways to Learn Cantonese
Chatty Cantonese | 粵語白白講
This podcast, conducted by seasoned teacher Raymond Pai and advanced student Cameron White, would benefit Cantonese learners.
Sentence-ending particles (mood words) are one kind of such words. Vocabulary lists and transcripts in Jyutping, characters, and English are provided for each episode.
Language Kaleidoscope 語言萬花筒
Cantonese linguists Stephen Matthews and Virginia Yip present this podcast, which delves into interesting topics, including the possibility of a seventh tone in Cantonese.
youTube
Many different channels and videos can help you with your Cantonese language journey.
For example, check out this video that helps you learn how to introduce yourself in Cantonese. Another Cantonese speaker offers a video about ten easy Cantonese words to learn.
YouTube user JadeinHK offers ways to order food in Hong Kong Cantonese. Another user, Five-Minute Cantonese, has many videos, including this one on “what time is it” and other phrases.
This small sampling of the thousands of videos on learning Cantonese shows that YouTubers are enthusiastic about generously sharing their Cantonese knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Defining the best way to learn Cantonese is challenging because it depends on your learning style. Are you a visual or verbal learner?
Even though Duolingo Cantonese is not yet an option for most people, there are many other methods and options for learning Cantonese.
We wish you the best of luck on your Cantonese learning journey!
Featured image: FellowNeko //Shutterstock
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.