Language learning app Duolingo has “paused” its Welsh language courses and will stop updating them from the end of this month.
This came despite the company stating in 2020 that the language was the fastest growing language in the UK.
It said it would devote resources to courses that are more popular among users.
A petition launched by users concerned about the stalled course is calling on Prime Minister Mark Drakeford to force Duolingo to reconsider.
“We hope our petition will be a catalyst in persuading Duolingo to continue with a vibrant Welsh language curriculum that achieves functional fluency,” the petition’s authors wrote.
Duolingo has announced that it will pause updates once the National Learning Center for Wales stops producing materials in November.
The company said it plans to focus on languages that are in high demand, such as Spanish, French and German.
A spokesperson said: “Already one of our most comprehensive courses, Welsh will continue to be available to everyone for free and is the go-to for anyone looking to start learning Welsh or improve their skills. It will continue to be a course that will help people learn more.”
In 2020, Welsh was the 9th most popular language among Duolingo users in the UK.
According to the company’s 2021 report, 1.62 million people are learning Welsh with the app, and a further 400,000 are actively learning.
The National Learning Center for Wales, which has been working with Duolingo, said it would continue to introduce Duolingo to learners as a “valuable” way to practice.
“Should Duolingo change its mind, the Center would be happy to assist with the work to develop the Welsh language course,” the spokesperson said.
Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: “In light of this news, we have written to Duolingo to work with the National Welsh Learning Center to consider how they can support the continued development of Welsh language courses. “I will.” . ”