Why Learning Italian Can’t Happen in an App Alone... and why real people still matter.
I appreciate what Duolingo has brought to the world of language learning.
It has made Italian, and many other languages, feel more accessible. With its playful design, short lessons, and clever gamification, it encourages people to build a daily habit. I often recommend it to beginners—especially those who feel unsure about where to start.
But over the years, I’ve seen the same pattern again and again.
A student arrives at our first lesson. They’ve been studying with an app for months, sometimes years. They can translate dozens of words. They’ve memorised grammar rules. Their Duolingo streak is over 300 days.
But then they try to speak.
They freeze.
They’re unsure where to begin.
And they tell me something I hear far too often:
“I know the word for penguin… but I can’t order a coffee.”
In a recent article for The Guardian, journalist Zoe Williams shared her experience learning Italian through Duolingo.
She writes:
“I got quite good at saying ‘the monkey eats the strawberry’ in Italian,
but couldn’t ask for a table in a restaurant.”
That sentence made me smile—not because it’s funny, but because it’s familiar.
This is the moment when learners realise that recognising words is not the same as using them.
And this is where real learning begins.
What the Research Says
In a widely read article from The New York Times titled “Can Duolingo Actually Teach You a Language?”, journalist Nikhil Sonnad explores what apps like Duolingo can realistically achieve.
The article concludes that while these platforms are strong in building vocabulary and creating learning momentum, they are rarely enough to carry someone into spontaneous, confident conversation.
Language researchers agree: to reach even a basic conversational level, adult learners need approximately 500–600 hours of meaningful, interactive practice.
Not just passive recognition.
Not just tapping the right word or sentence.
But real interaction, emotional memory, and feedback from other human beings.
Where Duolingo Excels
There’s no doubt that apps can play an important role. Duolingo in particular offers several real benefits:
It helps you build a consistent habit
It introduces essential vocabulary and grammar patterns
It lowers the barrier to entry—you can begin without fear
For many learners, it is the first time language has felt approachable. That matters.
But it’s also important to acknowledge the limits.
Where Real-Life Practice Comes In
What apps cannot offer is nuance. They cannot hear your hesitation.
They cannot gently correct you when you use the wrong preposition.
They cannot pause to explain what “mi scusi” feels like, or how “vorrei” carries a different tone than “voglio.”
Language, ultimately, is not a list of rules.
It is a living, breathing human experience.
It lives in:
The moment you ask someone for help in Italian and they respond with kindness
The smile you receive when you pronounce a word well
The shared silence as you search for the right expression
The joy of being understood, even imperfectly
This is why I created Su Misura Italy—to bring language learning back into human hands.
What We Do Differently
At Su Misura Italy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method.
We believe in people. In stories. In individual rhythms.
Our small team of Italian tutors—all based in Italy—offers personalised, flexible lessons designed to fit your level, your needs, and your goals.
We teach students from all over the world, across multiple time zones.
I personally design much of the content: audio lessons, practical dialogues, cultural context, and exercises built around real life—not textbook scenarios.
Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Italy, reconnecting with your family’s heritage, or simply curious to speak this beautiful language, we will meet you where you are.
And we will help you grow from there.
Where to Begin
If you’re ready to move beyond the app and into true conversation, here are a few ways to get started:
4 Weeks to Italy
A focused course designed to prepare you for everyday situations in Italy—ordering at a bar, navigating a train station, making a dinner reservation. No filler vocabulary. Just useful Italian, clearly explained and gently practised.
Leggi Bene
A pronunciation-focused course to help you sound more natural and confident. Short daily exercises with voice and text to train your ear, your mouth, and your rhythm.
Book a Free Meet & Greet
Not sure where to begin? Let’s talk. In this short one-on-one session, we’ll explore your level, your goals, and what kind of learning approach fits you best.
Apps are a wonderful tool. But they are just one piece of the puzzle.
If you want to bring your Italian into real conversations, travel moments, laughter, friendships, and life—then at some point, you need people.
Let’s start with a conversation.
