Duolingo Expands Language Challenge to Include Parliamentary Staff and University Leaders in 2026
By
Michael Lynas
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
The article reports on the 2026 Duolingo Language Challenge in Westminster, which expanded from just Members of Parliament and House of Lords peers to include parliamentary staffers, vice chancellors, and university faculty. The competition saw Cat Smith MP overtake Adam Thompson MP to win the 2025 title. The initiative aims to promote language learning among British politicians and educational leaders, with participants finding value in connection, confidence, and fun beyond just earning XP points.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledCat Smith MP overtook Adam Thompson MP in the final days to snatch the title!
So what do you do when lawmakers, lords, and language lovers beg to bring it back? You go bigger.
For 2026, the Language Challenge leveled up.
It expanded beyond MPs and peers to include parliamentary staffers as well as vice chancellors and university faculty.
They came for the XP—and stayed for the connection, confidence, and fun.
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