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Low-cost Language Learning: A Boost to Move? Lessons From Duolingo

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  • Joop Age Harm Adema

Abstract

The internet transformed the landscape for (prospective) migrants, including the ability to learn foreign languagesThe popular language learning app Duolingo rolled out 84 courses between source and target languages between 2012 and 2021These courses increased the number of languages spoken in the EU by 0.08 per personThe availability of a relevant language course increases migrants’ language skills and employment outcomes in the EU

Suggested Citation

  • Joop Age Harm Adema, 2025. "Low-cost Language Learning: A Boost to Move? Lessons From Duolingo," EconPol Forum, CESifo, vol. 26(03), pages 70-76, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:epofor:v:26:y:2025:i:03:p:70-76
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    File URL: https://www.ifo.de/DocDL/econpol-forum-3-2025-adema-duolingo.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Joop Age Harm Adema & Cevat Giray Aksoy & Panu Poutvaara, 2021. "Mobile Internet Access and the Desire to Emigrate," ifo Working Paper Series 365, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
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    7. repec:osf:socarx:8rnp3_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
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