Learning English could become easier for millions of Punjabi speakers as language-learning platform Duolingo has launched a new “Learn English from Punjabi” course. The course went live on September 7, 2026, and is now available through the Duolingo app.

The new course is designed to help Punjabi speakers learn English without first having to rely on another language as a bridge. With Punjabi used as the learner's base language, the platform aims to make English learning more accessible to users in India and Punjabi-speaking communities around the world.

English learning directly from Punjabi

Traditionally, people learning English through language apps may need to use Hindi or another language to understand lessons. Duolingo's new course changes that approach by allowing Punjabi speakers to learn English directly through Punjabi.

This could make the learning process more comfortable for users who are more familiar with Punjabi than other languages.

The course is also aimed at Punjabi-speaking communities outside India, including people living in countries such as Canada, the UK and the US.

Punjabi is spoken by more than 100 million people

According to Duolingo, Punjabi is spoken by more than 100 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally.

A significant Punjabi-speaking population lives in India, while large communities are also present in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

By introducing a dedicated English course based on Punjabi, Duolingo is targeting learners across this international community.

How the new course can help users

The biggest advantage of the new course is that learners can start with a language they already understand well.

For beginners, this can make it easier to understand:

• Basic English vocabulary

• Everyday phrases

• Sentence formation

• Common conversations

• English pronunciation

• Practical language usage

The app-based format also allows users to practise whenever they have time rather than attending a fixed classroom session.

Course is available on the Duolingo app

The Learn English from Punjabi course is now live on the Duolingo app.

Users interested in learning English can search for the course and select Punjabi as their starting language, subject to availability on their account and device.

The mobile-first approach could make the course particularly useful for students, working professionals and users who want to improve their English communication skills through regular short practice sessions.

Why this launch is important for India

English continues to be widely used in India's education system, workplaces, technology sector and online services. However, language barriers can make it difficult for some people to access educational and professional opportunities.

A course that allows users to learn English directly through Punjabi could help reduce one such barrier.

It may also encourage more people to use language-learning technology without feeling the need to become comfortable with another language first.

More than just a language-learning update

Duolingo's latest launch also highlights a broader trend in technology: apps are increasingly being designed around regional languages and local users.

Instead of focusing only on English-speaking audiences, technology companies are expanding their products to support users in more languages.

For Indian users, this could eventually mean greater access to digital education, AI tools, productivity services and other online platforms in familiar languages.

Who should try the new Punjabi course?

The course could be particularly useful for:

• Punjabi-speaking students

• Beginners learning English

• People preparing for everyday English conversations

• Working professionals looking to improve communication

• Punjabi speakers living abroad

• Parents looking for an accessible English-learning option for their children

Because the course is available through a smartphone app, users can practise at their own pace.

A useful step toward regional-language technology

The launch of Duolingo's Punjabi-to-English course is another example of how technology is adapting to India's linguistic diversity.

For millions of Punjabi speakers, learning English directly through Punjabi could make the process simpler and more approachable. As more technology companies introduce services in Indian languages, regional-language support could become an increasingly important part of the country's digital ecosystem.