For the past decade, Duolingo has been on a mission to make language learning accessible, fun, and effective for people around the world. But every now and then, I get to see firsthand just how transformative language can be—not just as a skill, but as a bridge between cultures, careers, and opportunities.

I recently spent a week in India, immersing myself in one of the world’s most linguistically diverse countries. India is home to over 1.4 billion people, speaking hundreds of languages, and yet, English remains a key driver of professional and educational advancement. At Duolingo, we’re committed to supporting millions of learners across the country, whether they’re improving their English through the Duolingo English Test or learning other languages to open new doors.

A Duolingo Success Story at the Taj Mahal

One of the most memorable moments from this trip was meeting Asif, a tour guide at the Taj Mahal with an incredible journey. Asif taught himself Japanese using Duolingo. Today, he leads guided tours for Japanese tourists visiting the Taj Mahal, allowing him to build a career that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Hearing Asif’s story reinforced something I’ve always believed—language isn’t just about words. It’s about connection, opportunity, and empowerment. Learning a new language can quite literally change a person’s life, giving them access to jobs, relationships, and experiences they might have never imagined.