About Tunga
Our mission is to make language learning more accessible by combining the best of traditional teaching methods with modern tech.
Our guiding principles
Accessibility
Lots of people think learning a second language isn’t for them. We want to bring its endless benefits to a bigger crowd, regardless of their educational or social background.
Simplicity
Language learning is hard enough. It doesn’t need to be more complicated. We strive to communicate complex ideas clearly and simply, and demystify the whole learning process.
Beauty
Great, user-centred design is at the heart of every experience we create. Beautiful design inspires creativity and confidence. We use design to showcase language and culture.
Joy
We know that learning a second language is one of the most rewarding journeys life has to offer. We look to inject joy at every opportunity to add to that sense of reward.
What does Tunga mean?
Tunga is Icelandic for “tongue”, which in both Icelandic and English is a synonym for “language”. As well as being a beautiful metaphor for language, it evokes a sense of fun and cheekiness that permeates our brand.
Our story
Existing digital language-learning experiences aren’t offering enough. Gamification has taken priority over making real-world progress, and the role of expertise in language teaching has been sidelined. At universities around the world, language departments are being cut or closed down altogether.
It’s against this backdrop that Tunga was founded. The language-learning industry is ripe for disruption, but of a different kind. We want to revitalise this space and develop a new kind of sustainable teaching that leads to real progress for learners, all whilst removing barriers to participation.
Interest in learning foreign languages has never been greater. This is despite tech advances that have led to a massive devaluation of people’s hard-earned language skills.
We believe that human connection will always win in the end. We want to show that a different path is possible, one that puts people first.
