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For avid Game of Thrones enthusiasts who have already binge-watched the premiere of the prequel House of Dragons on HBO, there’s a way to take your passion to the next level. Dive into the world of over 700,000 dedicated fans and explore the intricacies of “High Valyrian” with the free DuoLingo app.
High Valyrian, the ancient language of the Valyrian Freehold from the Essos continent in the GOT/HOD saga, is a meticulously crafted constructed language by linguist David J. Peterson. Boasting a lexicon of over 2,000 words, it mirrors the complexity of natural languages. Peterson explained to Marketplace, “For English speakers, it’s roughly as challenging as Russian, though with fewer cultural idioms to grasp, largely because much about High Valyrian culture remains shrouded in mystery within the books.”
Since 2019, DuoLingo has featured a High Valyrian course, now enhanced through a collaboration with HBO. With the release of the new series, additional vocabulary has been integrated into the language program. HBO subscribers can enjoy two free months of DuoLingo Plus, unlocking access to premium features for learning both fictional and real-world languages.
Absolutely, DuoLingo allows you to dive into the world of Klingon
DuoLingo has a rich history with fictional languages, including a long-standing Klingon course for fans of interstellar adventures. The platform is also adept at riding cultural waves, boasting nearly 5 million followers on its TikTok feed filled with viral, meme-worthy content. Additionally, it has established a presence in the video game Roblox, offering a variety of interactive experiences aimed at making language learning fun and engaging.
James Kuczynski, DuoLingo’s creative director of brand and marketing, shared with digiday.com, “We seek out cultural moments that captivate dedicated fanbases. By connecting with these passionate communities, we aim to inspire a sense of alignment with our brand. This connection turns them into advocates, creating shareable content and fostering ongoing engagement with these groups.”
High Valyrian as a stepping stone to language learning
While I can’t speak for everyone, there’s something undeniably appealing about brands that resonate deeply with their audience. Count me in for an ambassadorship! On a serious note, DuoLingo reports that 43% of users who explore Klingon or High Valyrian end up learning another language through the app. The company is also developing content to support endangered and indigenous languages, making a meaningful impact in the world of language preservation.
