My grandmother hails from the beautiful Philippines, and the rich culture she brings fills our family gatherings with stories and traditions. I've always wanted to connect deeper with her and my heritage by speaking Tagalog, and like many language enthusiasts, I turned to Duolingo, a platform renowned for its engaging and accessible courses. However, to my surprise, Duolingo offers courses in invented languages like Klingon, yet Tagalog, spoken by nearly 30 million people in the Philippines alone, remains absent.

Tagalog, one of the official languages of the Philippines, holds immense cultural significance and is a key part of the Filipino identity. It's not just a language; it's a link to stories, traditions, and a vibrant cultural legacy. Many Filipino-Americans, like myself, are eager to learn Tagalog to bridge generational gaps, and connect with our relatives and roots.

According to a 2010 U.S. Census report, there are over 1.6 million people of Filipino descent living in the United States, comprising one of the largest Asian American populations. Many of us wish to maintain or develop our language skills to ensure that our cultural heritage continues to thrive across generations. Duolingo has the power to make this possible through a dedicated Tagalog course.

Duolingo has made language learning an enjoyable journey for millions worldwide, democratizing access to language skills and enabling cultural exchange. Adding Tagalog to its roster would not only acknowledge the significant linguistic and cultural presence of Filipinos worldwide, but also support learners in preserving their heritage and fostering deeper global connections.

We urge Duolingo to expand their language offerings to include Tagalog and support the thousands of eager learners ready to embark on their educational journey. Sign this petition to encourage Duolingo to recognize the importance of Tagalog and embrace the chance to enrich their platform with Filipino culture and language.