Duolingo doesn't offer Ilocano. Duolingo's own list, read October 14, 2026, has no course for Ilocano.
Two apps teach Ilocano in short lessons, and they do different jobs. Ling gives you a course in order, and uTalk gives you phrases to say right away. For tutors, a free grammar book, and Ilocano radio, see our best apps to learn Ilocano.
Custom Lessons Made for You
Bubblegum
For serious learners, Bubblegum is the best app to learn Ilocano. You learn from Ilocano you can mostly understand, which is called comprehensible input.
Poppy is your AI tutor, and she shapes Ilocano lessons around your family and plans. To surprise your grandparents in Laoag, she can write a phone call home, and you can practice by listening to it first.
Poppy builds a flexible journey around your interests and level, so you can focus on what's most useful to you. Bubblegum isn't a person to talk with. For that, see the tutors in our full Ilocano comparison.
- Ilocano lessons written for your level and the people you want to talk to.
- Ilocano stories and news let you keep reading after a lesson.
- Ask Poppy what a line means and how it's built.
- Saved Ilocano words show up again in later lessons.
- Clear, expressive AI voices read every lesson aloud, with a different voice for each speaker.
- There's no way to add your own books or articles.
- A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn.
- Regenerative Review™
Mobile
A Course Built on Dialogues
Ling
Ling launched its full Ilocano course on July 31, 2026. It's made for beginners and intermediate learners, and it also teaches Ilocano customs and everyday expressions.
- Interactive dialogues and game-style lessons.
- Ilocano audio recorded by people who speak it.
- Flashcards
Mobile
Phrases for Your Next Visit
uTalk
uTalk teaches Ilocano phrases through short lessons and games. You can record a phrase and play it next to the speaker's version.
- Ilocano speakers recorded each word and phrase.
- Download topics and practice offline.
MobileWeb
How Each App Lets You Start Free
Both apps let you try them first.
| App | How You Can Start Free |
|---|---|
| Ling | Installing it is free. |
| uTalk | Begin with the free starter words. |
Bubblegum's free plan is in the last question below.
Common Questions
Which Ilocano app should a beginner choose?
If you are serious about learning Ilocano, start with Bubblegum. Poppy writes lessons at your level about things you like. Or start with Ling if you want lessons in order, or uTalk if you need a few phrases before a trip. Ilocano uses Latin letters, so reading starts on day one.
Is it Ilocano or Ilokano?
Both spellings name the same language. Ling and uTalk write Ilocano, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, which has taught it since 1972, writes Ilokano.
Is Bubblegum free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
Sources
- Duolingo: course list (read October 14, 2026)
- Ling: Ling launches full Ilocano course (July 31, 2026)
- Ling: Learn Ilocano
- Ling: Google Play listing (Philippines)
- uTalk: Ilocano course
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa: Ilokano Language and Literature Program
- Bubblegum
Checked on October 14, 2026 against each app's own pages.
