Wait, it’s 2026, and there is still no Punjabi on Duolingo? That’s crazy!
Punjabi is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Spoken by around 125 million speakers from India and Pakistan, it has a secure place on the “top 10 most spoken languages in the world” list.
So, if you want to learn this beautiful language, you’ll have to look beyond Duolingo. That’s why in this post, we will walk you through Ling, the best alternative to the quirky green owl’s app that can help you master basic Punjabi so that you can start building relationships and speak like a pro with the locals. Keep on reading to find out!
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Why Is There No Punjabi On Duolingo?
Duolingo is one of the world’s most popular language-learning apps with popular language courses and even some fictional languages like High Valyrian from Game of Thrones and Klingon from Star Trek. However, there are many languages Duolingo doesn’t have, and sadly, Punjabi in one of them. Let’s look at what could be the reasons for that:
- Lack of volunteers for course creation: While it is true that the app is consistently being developed, Punjabi still could not make it to their “Incubator Program.” Sadly, this program was discontinued in 2021, which means that it is not possible for us to see courses related to this language being offered by Duolingo, at least not in the near future.
- Complex writing systems: There are two Punjabi scripts – Gurmukhi (used in India) and Shahmukhi (used in Pakistan). Supporting both scripts adds technical and pedagogical complexity, which may delay or deter course development.
- Probable lack of commercial incentive: Duolingo is a business, and sometimes languages spoken by immigrant or heritage communities are not prioritized if the return on investment isn’t immediately clear, especially if learners aren’t likely to become paid subscribers.
- More focus on popular European and East Asian Languages: Duolingo has historically focused on high-interest, travel-oriented, or career-relevant languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, and Mandarin. Regional South Asian languages like Punjabi have received less attention.
Why Should Punjabi Be On Every Language Learning App?
Punjabi has over 125 million speakers worldwide and ranks among the top 20 most spoken languages globally. This fact alone should make it a natural fit for any major language learning platform. Punjabi speakers make up a significant population not only in the Indian subcontinent (India and Pakistan).
But also in the global West due to a large Punjabi diaspora in the USA, the UK, Canada, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. So, it’s not only the travelers visiting India or Pakistan that need assistance in learning Punjabi. But also the third-generation Punjabi immigrants, or maybe inter-racial couples who’d like to make their bond stronger by communicating with their Punjabi spouses in their native language.
Is Punjabi Hard To Learn?
Is Punjabi hard to learn? That’s a loaded question. As a native Hindi speaker, I would say it was not hard for me to learn Punjabi. That’s because both Hindi and Punjabi belong to the Indo-Aryan language family and share some common vocabulary and grammar rules as well.
However, if you are a native English speaker or your native language is far from the Indo-Aryan language family, then learning Punjabi might seem like a challenge to you. Here are some reasons.
1. Punjabi Is A Tonal Language
Similar to Mandarin Chinese, the Punjabi language is unique in the sense that it is the only one out of all the Indo-Aryan languages to be very much reliant on tonal features.
This means that Punjabi speakers understand certain words and grammatical meanings through the different pitches used when speaking.
With this being said, having an understanding of the intricate details related to Punjabi will also ensure that you understand critical information related to their culture. What a great way to hit two birds with one stone, right?
The best example of how the tones work is the research done by Baart (2003), where he gave the following tonal example :
| English | Punjabi |
|---|---|
| Show me a whip | Menu kōra takao |
| Show me a horse | Menu kòra takao |
| Show me a leprosy patient | Menu kóra takao |
2. Punjabi Has Variations
Punjabi, also known as Panjabi, is the official language of the people from Punjab province in Pakistan and India.
What makes this pretty complex is that there are different variations to this language depending on where you are, like the standard Punjabi (also known as Majhi if you are from central Punjab), Lahnda (or Western Punjabi), Hindko (in the Northwestern), Saraiki (South Western), and Pahari-Pothwari (Northern).
But what’s even more interesting is that this language appears to be widely spoken in North America, too!
For this reason, even though the language’s varieties can make it challenging to learn, your learning and understanding of these variations and dialects can significantly help you in terms of connecting better with people personally and professionally.
Ling: The Best Alternative To Duolingo For Learning Punjabi In 2026
The best alternative to Duolingo for Punjabi is the Ling learn Punjabi app, a gamified app that teaches languages just like Duolingo, but it actually teaches many more underrated languages like Punjabi.
Moreover, the app goes further with script exercises as well as grammar and culture notes.
Yes, the green owl is cute, and the social media banter with Duo is funny. But if you’re serious about learning Punjabi in a fun way, then you don’t have to look any further than Ling!
Here is what you get with the Ling learn Punjabi app:
- Native speaker audio: Lessons backed with real Punjabi native speaker recordings that help you master pronunciation, including the language’s tones.
- Script practice: Dedicated writing lessons that teach the Punjabi alphabet through finger tracing tech.
- Grammar Notes: Clear, beginner-friendly explanations that cover sentence structure and the “why” behind the language.
- Culture Notes: Bite-sized cultural insights that make you dive deeper into the aspects of the Punjabi culture
- Real conversations: The Dialog feature helps you practice speaking so you can hold small conversations from day one
- Speaking practice: Record yourself and get feedback so you can fix your mistakes immediately
Did you know? Ling has more than 10 million downloads and is rated 4.7/5 by learners across the Play Store and Apple Store for its gamified approach and its comprehensive lessons. Ling teaches 70+ languages, with a focus on lesser-taught ones like Punjabi that you will not find on major platforms like Duolingo.
Who Is The Ling App Best For?
The Ling app is best for beginners and intermediate learners who want to learn real, practical, everyday Punjabi.
Moreover, Ling mostly answers the needs of:
- Heritage learners, including second- or third-generation Punjabi speakers who want to reconnect with their family roots
- Intercultural couples learning to speak with a Punjabi-speaking partner or in-laws
- Travelers and explorers heading to Punjab in India or Pakistan
- Curious beginners who want a low-pressure, gamified way to start a language that’s not widely learned.
If you want real everyday Punjabi lessons and a clear learning path that helps you progress from your first word to real conversations, the Ling app is built for you.
Duolingo Vs Ling: Which One Teaches South-Asian Languages Like Punjabi?
Both apps make learning interactive, but in the Ling vs Duolingo match, only one actually offers smaller and lesser-known South Asian languages like Punjabi.
Here is how they compare :
| Feature | Duolingo | Ling |
|---|---|---|
| Punjabi Course | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Number of Languages Offered | 40+ | 65+ (including rare languages) |
| Learning Approach | Game-like quizzes, streaks, XP system | Conversational practice, dialogues, and gamified lessons |
| Grammar Explanations | Limited, basic tips | Special Grammar Notes feature with more detailed, beginner-friendly explanations |
| Speaking and Listening Practice | Available | Available with real-life dialogues |
| Cultural Insights | Minimal | Special Culture Notes feature |
| Native Speaker Audio | Partially (text-to-speech in many cases) | ✅ Yes, native speaker recordings |
| Free Version Available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes with a free 7-day trial |
| Premium Subscription Option | ✅ Yes (Super Duolingo) | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for Beginners | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Script Support | Depends on the course | ✅ Includes Gurmukhi script for Punjabi |
| Mobile App and Web Access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
If finding the best app for learning Punjabi or any other South Asian language is your goal, Ling is your clear choice, because except for Hindi and Indonesian, Duolingo does not teach them.
Why Do Serious Learners Choose Ling To Learn Punjabi?
If you’re truly committed to learning Punjabi, Ling stands out as a practical and effective alternative to Duolingo.
Here’s why serious learners prefer it over more mainstream apps:
- Punjabi course available: While Duolingo doesn’t offer Punjabi, Ling provides a full-fledged course that covers vocabulary, grammar, conversation practice, and native pronunciation.
- Script and pronunciation support: Ling teaches Punjabi using the Gurmukhi script, complete with native audio recordings, ensuring that learners grasp not just the words, but the correct way to read and pronounce them.
- Grammar and cultural support: Ling has dedicated Grammar Notes and Culture Notes features for the Punjabi language to support learners. You get in-depth grammar explanations on sentence structure and other grammar features. This is a big boon to any serious language learner because, unlike Duolingo, Ling teaches them the “why” and “how” of the Punjabi language. Similarly, there are interesting cultural tidbits as well to make the learning culturally appropriate for the learners.
- Real-life dialogue-based lessons: Unlike the repetitive, sometimes random sentences on Duolingo, Ling uses contextual dialogues to help users navigate everyday conversations, from greetings to making small talk and asking for directions.
- Progressive learning path: Lessons in Ling are structured by difficulty, with clear grammar tips and vocabulary reviews that build your confidence step-by-step.
- Fits busy schedules: Each lesson is bite-sized and mobile-friendly. This makes it perfect for learners who want to make steady progress in just 10–15 minutes a day.
- Supports native language learning medium: Ling shines where bigger platforms fall short. It offers a native-language medium to learn target languages. Confused? In simple terms, you need not be proficient in English to learn Punjabi. You can learn Punjabi in your own native language, whether it is a popular language like French or Spanish, or a lesser-known one like Malayalam or Khmer. This is one of the biggest advantages Ling has over its competitors.
- Built by language experts & native speakers: The content is created and reviewed by native speakers and educators, making it trustworthy and culturally relevant.
What Do Learners Say About Learning Punjabi With Ling?
Here are some real reviews from learners who took the Ling path to learn Punjabi. Check what they say about their experience with the app to get a better overview on what results you can expect by learning this language with us:
“Literally, I was a beginner, but now I am so good at Punjabi. I just love this app. I like the way they teach us. Actually, this is better than Duolingo because in Duolingo there are only other countries’ languages, but in this app, there are Indian languages. This app deserves 5 stars ⭐”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anita P.
“Trying to learn Punjabi to communicate with my Mother In-Law. Thanks to this app. It’s awesome”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Norma S.
“My partner speaks Punjabi and Hindi, and I have been struggling to find the perfect app to help me learn his language. So far this is the best app. It is specially made for interactive learners like myself. Although you pay for a subscription, it is totally worth the deal. I highly recommend this app and encourage anyone who wants to learn a language to install it straight away.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Google User
What Can You Learn In Your 7-Day Free Trial in Punjabi With Ling?
Want to learn beyond saying hello in Punjabi? Here are more things you’ll learn in the Ling app within the seven (7) day free trial.
| Day | What You’ll Learn | Examples From Ling’s Punjabi Course |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Greetings | Hello: Sat Sri Akaal (ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ) |
| Day 2 | Personal Introductions | My name is Mary – Mera naam Mary hai (ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ ਮੈਰੀ ਹੈ) |
| Day 3 | Everyday Greetings | See you later – Phir milange (ਫਿਰ ਮਿਲਾਂਗੇ) |
| Day 4 | Basic Numbers & Counting | One, two, three – Ik, do, tin (ਇੱਕ, ਦੋ, ਤਿੰਨ) How much is it?: Eh kinne da hai? (ਇਹ ਕਿੰਨੇ ਦਾ ਹੈ?) |
| Day 5 | Useful Phrases & Politeness | Please – Kirpa karke (ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ) Thank you: Dhanvaad (ਧੰਨਵਾਦ) |
| Day 6 | Food & Café Dining | Water, please: Paani, kirpa karke (ਪਾਣੀ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ) |
| Day 7 | Fundamental Questions | Where is it?- Eh kithe hai? (ਇਹ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?) Do you speak English?- Tusi English bolde ho? (ਤੁਸੀਂ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਹੋ?) |
In just one week of bite-sized lessons, you can go from your first words to short, real conversations in Punjabi!
FAQs: No Punjabi On Duolingo
Does Duolingo Have Punjabi?
No. As of today, there is no Punjabi on Duolingo, and no Punjabi course has been announced yet. Therefore, the Ling app is the best alternative, with a full Punjabi course built for beginners and intermediate learners.
Which App Teaches Punjabi?
The Ling app offers a complete Punjabi course with native audio speaker recordings, Gurmukhi script practice, grammar and culture notes, and conversation activities. Most mainstream apps, like Duolingo, do not include Punjabi at all. So, Ling is the best alternative to learn it.
Is Punjabi An Easy Language To Learn?
Yes, Punjabi is an easy language to learn if you already know or speak any other Indo-Aryan languages. That’s because Indo-Aryan languages share some common vocabulary, grammar rules, and sentence structure. But if you’re a complete novice, learning Punjabi might seem like a challenge. However, you can trust Ling to guide you in a step-by-step manner on your Punjabi learning path.
How Can I Learn Punjabi By Myself?
You can start learning Punjabi by yourself by first identifying your goal: why do I want to learn Punjabi? Once you know that, you can start by using a language learning app like Ling to customize your learning path and dedicate 5 to 15 minutes per day.
How To Say Hello In Punjabi?
Hello in Punjabi is Sat sri akal (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ). It is a Sikh greeting which means, “The Truth is eternal.” It’s a respectful and traditional greeting said while bringing both your palms together at chest level and bowing down slightly.
Start Your 7-Day Free Trial And Learn Punjabi With Ling
So, No Punjabi on Duolingo? No worries!
For language enthusiasts out there who are looking for an all-in-one app that has proven features to help you go from total beginner to language pro, Ling is what you should explore today!
This unique language learning app is developed by professional language experts and native speakers who truly understand the best way to learn Punjabi.
Unlike other apps, the quality of the Punjabi language course you get to access will definitely help you progress just by using the app for 10 minutes a day or less.
This app has your back in the form of useful words, phrases, and slang as well as in-depth grammar explanations and cultural immersion!
So, what are you waiting for? Open your App Store or Google Play Store and download the Ling app now!
