Language learning app Duolingo has apologized after a German lesson appeared to label Harry Potter author JK Rowling as “mean,” sparking debate among users and leading to the removal of the content.
The lesson in question asked students: “Magst du die Bücher mit Harry Potter als Figur?”, which translates to: “Do you like books with Harry Potter as a character?”
The correct response given by the app: “Ja, aber meiner Meinung nach ist die Autorin gemein,” or: “Yes, but in my opinion the author is mean.” The wrong alternative answer offered was: “Yes, you’re right. I’m interested in sports.”
Duolingo, which has more than 130 million daily active users, later issued a statement. “We apologise for any offence caused and will remove this content,” their official Twitter account posted.
The example was first highlighted by Gaby Koppel, a freelance TV producer and writer, who said she had been using the app for five months and had never seen another real-life figure criticised. “It’s gratuitous – how is Rowling relevant to learning German?” she told The Daily Telegraph.
Another posted: “She’s polarizing, but no need to remove facts from lessons.”
Others backed the company, with one saying: “Speak ur words @duolingo We are with you!!”
A Rowling supporter countered: “Let her have an opinion.”
The controversy comes as Rowling has once again clashed with politicians and former Harry Potter stars over her stance on transgender rights. She recently criticised former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her autobiography, Frankly. Rowling posted an image of scribbled notes on Sturgeon’s book, including the phrase: “Are you f—ing kidding me???”
On Twitter, Rowling wrote: “Annotating as I read to review. Might auction my scribbled-on copy, proceeds to go to @ForWomenScot. NB: nobody who’s offended by swearing should bid.”
Rowling previously wore a shirt calling Sturgeon a “destroyer of women’s rights” in 2022 when the politician attempted to introduce legislation creating a self-identification system for gender recognition.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
