Somali isn't on Duolingo. Duolingo's own course list had no Somali course when we went through it on October 14, 2026.
Somali has a short list of apps, so each one below does a different job: recorded phrases, quick game lessons, or audio. For tutors, free books, and Somali news, see our best apps to learn Somali.
Custom Lessons Made for You
Bubblegum
For serious learners, Bubblegum is the best app to learn Somali. You learn from Somali you can mostly understand, which is called comprehensible input.
Every Somali lesson in Bubblegum is written by Poppy, your AI tutor, from details of your own life. If you're calling your grandmother in Hargeisa this weekend, she can write that call for you, and you can hear it before you dial.
The lessons and audio are made with AI, so add recordings of Somali speakers and a person who can hear you speak. The tutors in our full Somali comparison can do that.
- Poppy writes Somali lessons for your level and the people you'll be talking with.
- Somali news and short stories sit next to your lessons.
- Poppy can explain how any Somali line works.
- Your saved words return inside new Somali lessons, thanks to Regenerative Review™.
- 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™
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Recorded Phrases
uTalk
uTalk teaches Standard Somali, which is based on the northern dialect. Topics cover family, travel, and everyday talk.
- The audio for every Somali phrase comes from Somali speakers.
- Record yourself and compare with the recording.
MobileWeb
Quick Game Lessons
Ling
Ling's Somali lessons are short games built by people who speak Somali. After the basics, its path moves on to travel guides and news articles.
- Lessons begin with sounds, greetings, and common words.
- Rehearse Somali dialogues, then go over the words with flashcards.
- Flashcards
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Audio Lessons
Bluebird
Bluebird teaches Somali step by step through listening. Each lesson is rated Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, so you can pick where to start.
- Lessons led by audio, from common words to verbs to whole sentences.
- Listen hands-free, with no typing.
MobileWeb
How Each App Lets You Start Free
All three can be tested at no cost.
| App | How You Can Start Free |
|---|---|
| uTalk | Open a free starter-word topic. |
| Ling | The app is free to download, and you can try Pro for 7 days. |
| Bluebird | Get it free from the app store. |
Bubblegum's free plan is in the last question below.
Common Questions
Which Somali app should a beginner choose?
If you are serious about learning Somali, start with Bubblegum. Poppy writes lessons at your level about things you like. Or start with uTalk if you want phrases recorded by Somali speakers, or Ling if you'd like short game lessons. Somali is written in the Latin alphabet, so you can read it from your first lesson.
Is there a Somali course book with audio?
Yes. Morgan Nilsson, of the University of Gothenburg, shares his Beginner's Somali books and their sound files on his website. The books go in order, from Book 1 up.
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)
- uTalk: Somali course
- Ling: Learn Somali
- Ling: Ling Pro plans and free trial
- Bluebird: methodology
- Bluebird: FAQ
- Bluebird: current iPhone listing
- Morgan Nilsson: Somali teaching materials
- Bubblegum
- Bluebird
Checked on October 14, 2026 against each app's own pages.
