Amir Hanna

About Amir

Amir Hanna is the CEO and co-founder of Parrot (YC F25), the app that teaches languages through short-form video and comprehensible input. He leads the company's strategy and growth, and he writes most of the Parrot blog, where he covers how adults actually acquire a language and why so many apps fail to get learners speaking.

Amir trained as an engineer at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Engineering. He has been building with AI since well before the current wave: in 2020 his team won first place out of 577 teams nationwide in Microsoft's Discover AI: Smarter Economies Challenge with Flora, a waste collection optimization system. He later worked as a mechanical engineer at Shell.

Before the team wrote any code for Parrot, Amir and his co-founders downloaded and used 52 language learning apps and interviewed 65 learners. They later spoke with 186 Duolingo users to understand where learners get stuck. That research shaped Parrot's core bet: people learn a language best from large amounts of real speech they can understand, delivered in a format they already enjoy. Parrot has since been downloaded more than 600,000 times.

His goal for Parrot is to help a billion people become fluent in a language, and to make possible the conversations that come with it: with a friend, a partner, or a grandmother.

Areas of expertise

• Language learning
• Comprehensible input
• Learner research
• AI in education
• Consumer app growth

Find Amir online

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirhanna1
• https://www.amirhanna.com/

Articles by Amir Hanna

• The Point of Talking

  A machine can write a better wedding toast than you can. It can't write yours. On AI, the beauty of imperfect words, and why people still learn to talk.Shawn Sm…

• 100 Essential French Phrases for Beginners to Survive Abroad

  Memorizing French phrases feels like preparation. It isn't. Here's why the freeze happens, and how to wire your brain for the reply, not just the opener.A large…

• 8 Rocket French Reviews: Is It Worth It Before You Buy?

  Most Rocket French reviews are written by people paid to sell it. Here is what they cannot tell you: whether a busy adult beginner will actually finish it.Searc…

• 58 Ways How to Learn French Through Conversation Like a Pro

  Finishing every lesson but freezing the moment a native speaker responds is not a motivation problem. It is a method problem, and the fix starts with how your b…

• The Complete Beginner's Guide to French Grammar Rules

  You already know the rules. The reason you freeze mid-sentence has nothing to do with studying more of them.The common assumption is that learners freeze becaus…

• How to Master French Alphabet Pronunciation Like a Native

  French uses the same 26 letters as English, but almost none of them sound the same. Here is what actually trips up beginners and how to fix it before it costs y…

• How Long to Learn French: A Realistic Timeline

  The 600-hour rule was built for full-time diplomats, not busy adults. Here is what those timelines actually mean for you, and the first milestone worth chasing.…

• Best Learning Resources for African French Speakers 2026

  African French is already the majority of the French-speaking world. Here is what actually exists to train for it, and where every option still falls short.Over…

• How to Learn French With Movies: A Step-by-Step Guide

  Watching French movies feels productive. It almost never is. Here is why your brain tunes out native speech, and the exact level-matched system that finally mak…

• How to Learn French on Your Own in 8 Simple Steps

  Most people don't quit French because they lack discipline. They quit because the method was never built for a real life, and the fix is structural, not persona…

• French Pronunciation Rules: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

  French pronunciation rules don't fail you because they're wrong. They fail you because your brain can't retrieve a phonetic chart fast enough to move your mouth…

• How to Start Learning French: A Beginner's Guide (2026)

  Most beginners don't quit French because they lack talent. They quit because the method was built for someone with two free hours a day. Here is what actually w…

• Is French a Hard Language to Learn? An Honest Assessment

  French has a Category I difficulty rating, the easiest tier for English speakers. The reputation that says otherwise came from bad teaching methods, not the lan…

• How to Become Fluent in French in 7 Proven Steps

  Your streak isn't the problem. Your method is. Here's the structured approach that actually moves you from frozen beginner to confident French speaker.The commo…

• French Pronunciation Practice Hub: Sounds & Exercises

  Drilling French sounds builds recognition. It doesn't build the muscle memory that real conversation demands. Here's why the gap exists and how to actually clos…

• How to Practice Speaking French Fluently at Home

  Most French practice advice assumes time and partners you don't have. Here's how to build real speaking fluency inside the stolen minutes of your actual day.Con…

• How To Improve Your French? 13 Ways to Improve Your French Fast (and Actually Stick to It)

  The methods most French learners trust are quietly built to fail them. Here is why the problem is structural, not personal, and what actually moves the needle.M…

• How to Conjugate Re Verbs in French the Right Way

  You can recite the endings chart and still freeze when a native speaker uses vendre mid-sentence. Here is why that happens, and how to fix it for good.Learners…

• 7 Best French Audio Books to Learn French Fast in 2026

  Passive French listening feels productive until a native speaker replies and every hour vanishes. Here is how to pick audio that your brain can actually acquire…

• 39 French Language Learning Resources I Actually Recommend

  More resources won't fix the problem. The real barrier is neurological, and once you understand the mechanism behind fluency, every tool on this list either ear…

• 17 Best French TV Shows to Learn French at Every Level

  Watching French TV and actually acquiring French are not the same thing. Here are 17 shows matched to your level, so the input your brain receives is the kind i…

• 12 Best Podcasts for Learning French in 2026

  Podcasts build French comprehension, but they quietly skip the skill that matters most: speaking. Here are the shows worth your commute and exactly how to use t…

• Is Duolingo Good for French? Honest Worth-It Verdict 2026

  Duolingo's French course has real strengths and a real ceiling. Here is exactly where it helps, where it stalls, and what fills the gap.The common assumption am…

• Is Babbel Good for French? An Honest 2026 Review

  Babbel is more serious than most French apps. But serious and effective for real conversation are two different things, and the gap between them is exactly what…

• 7 Best Online French Tutors to Book for Private Lessons 2026

  Most adult learners book a qualified tutor, nail their conjugations, then freeze ordering coffee in Paris. The problem is not your effort: it is the format you…

• 6 Best Books to Learn French for Beginners in 2026

  Most French books build readers, not speakers. Here are the ones worth your time, and the format trap to avoid before you pick one.Finishing a French grammar bo…

• 8 Best Apps to Learn French for Travel (2026 Picks)

  Forty-seven percent of EU citizens cannot hold a conversation in a language other than their own mother tongue, according to the Eurobarometer Special Survey on…

• Pimsleur French Review 2026: Does It Actually Work?

  Pimsleur's science is real. Its format is a relic. Here is what you actually pay, what you genuinely get, and why the two rarely line up for busy learners today…

• 31 Best French Learning Apps Tested and Ranked for 2026 (Tested)

  Streaks go up, real French still sounds like noise. Here is why the most popular vocabulary apps are built for habit, not fluency, and how to pick one that actu…

• 31 Best French Learning Apps Tested and Ranked for 2026

  Your streak proves you opened the app. It doesn't prove you learned French. Here's what the most popular language apps actually train, and which of 43 alternati…

• 7 Tips for the Fastest Way to Learn French That Actually Work

  Your streak is not lying to you, but it is measuring the wrong thing. Here is why consistent learners still freeze in real conversations, and what actually buil…

• 15 Best Pimsleur Alternatives for Learning & Speaking Spanish

  Finding the best way to learn conversational Spanish often leads people to Pimsleur, but audio-only lessons leave many learners feeling like something is missin…

• 7 Best Rosetta Stone Alternatives for Learning & Speaking Spanish

  Rosetta Stone is often the first stop for anyone looking for the best way to learn conversational Spanish, but it doesn't work equally well for everyone. Some l…

• Pimsleur vs. Babbel: Which Spanish Learning Program Is Better?

  Choosing between Pimsleur and Babbel is a common dilemma for anyone looking for the best way to learn conversational Spanish. Both programs have strong reputati…

• Rocket Spanish vs. Babbel: Which Program Is Better for Spanish?

  Choosing between Rocket Spanish and Babbel is a common sticking point for anyone serious about picking up conversational Spanish. Both programs are popular, but…

• Rocket Spanish vs. Rosetta Stone: Which Spanish App Is Better?

  Choosing between Rocket Spanish and Rosetta Stone is a real decision with real consequences. Both platforms have built loyal followings, both carry a price tag,…

• Rocket Spanish vs. Pimsleur: Which Spanish App Is Best for You?

  Choosing between Rocket Spanish and Pimsleur is a common dilemma for anyone serious about holding real conversations in Spanish. Both programs have loyal follow…

• Duolingo vs. Pimsleur: Which Spanish Program Is Better for You?

  Choosing between Duolingo and Pimsleur is one of the most common dilemmas for anyone searching for the best way to learn conversational Spanish. Both apps have…

• Duolingo vs. Rosetta Stone: Which Is Better for Learning Spanish?

  Duolingo and Rosetta Stone are two of the most recognized names in language learning, yet choosing between them is rarely straightforward. Both apps take fundam…

• Living Language vs. Rosetta Stone: Which is Best for Spanish?

  Picking the best way to learn conversational Spanish often comes down to one frustrating question: which language program actually works? If you have been compa…

• Mango Languages vs. Rosetta Stone: Which is Best for Spanish?

  Choosing the best way to learn conversational Spanish often comes down to which app will actually get you speaking. Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone are two of…

• Rosetta Stone Spanish Reviews: Is It Worth It for Spanish?

  Rosetta Stone has been a household name in language learning for decades, but many Spanish learners still ask whether it delivers results before spending their…

• 10 Best Apps to Learn to Speak Spanish & How to Choose

  Learning to speak Spanish feels straightforward until a real conversation starts and the words suddenly disappear. The best way to learn conversational Spanish…

• Best Program to Learn Spanish: How to Choose the Right One for You

  Learning Spanish feels manageable until a native speaker responds at full speed and textbook phrases fall flat. That gap between classroom knowledge and real co…

• How to Learn Dominican Spanish: A Practical Guide to Fluency

  Dominican Spanish is fast, regional, and nothing like what most textbooks teach. Consonants disappear mid-word, sentences blend together, and local slang shifts…

• Best Way to Learn Spanish as an Adult: Guide That Fits Real Life

  .Learning Spanish as an adult is entirely achievable with the right approach, and millions of people prove it every year through consistent, focused practice. T…

• Fastest Way to Learn Spanish: 15 Ways to Speed Up Your Progress

  Holding a real conversation in Spanish, not just reciting textbook phrases but actually connecting with people, is a goal many learners share. The challenge is…

• How to Learn Medical Spanish: Guide for Healthcare Professionals

  For healthcare professionals, a language barrier between provider and patient is more than an inconvenience. When a Spanish-speaking patient cannot clearly desc…

• How to Learn Spanish on Your Own: A Practical Guide to Fluency

  Millions of people learn Spanish without a classroom, a tutor, or a structured course. The best way to learn conversational Spanish on your own comes down to co…

• Best App to Learn Mexican Spanish: 10 Picks for Real Conversation

  Speaking Mexican Spanish the way locals do requires more than textbook drills. It takes exposure to real dialogue, regional slang, and the rhythms that make Mex…

• How to Learn Spanish Fluently: A Practical, Research-Backed Guide

  Sitting across from a native speaker and responding naturally, without pausing to hunt for words, is what Spanish fluency actually feels like. For most learners…

• How to Learn Colombian Spanish: A Practical Beginner's Guide

  Colombian Spanish is widely regarded as one of the clearest dialects for new learners, thanks to its neutral accent and relatively straightforward pronunciation…

• How to Learn Spanish in a Week: A Realistic Beginner's Plan

  A week before a trip to Mexico, most beginners want one thing: the ability to hold a real conversation without freezing mid-sentence. A focused, realistic plan…

• Best App to Learn Spanish While Driving Safely: 10 Options

  Most people spend anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour commuting each day, and that time rarely goes toward anything meaningful. Learning conversational Spa…

• 13 Best Tools to Learn Spanish for Real Conversations

  Learning Spanish feels straightforward until a native speaker replies at full speed and the mind goes blank. Most learners spend months with apps and textbooks…

• 25 Reasons to Learn Spanish for Travel, Work, and Life

  Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people across more than 20 countries, making it one of the most practical languages to pick up for travel, work, and every…

• 7 Best Games to Learn Spanish and Build Real Fluency

  Traditional flashcards and grammar drills have their place, but they rarely build the kind of fluency that holds up in real conversation. Games designed for lan…

• Can You Learn Spanish in 3 Months? Fluency Levels to Expect

  Three months is a realistic window to reach conversational Spanish, but only if the approach matches the goal. Most learners lose time on grammar-heavy methods…

• How Many Sections Are in Duolingo Spanish? Full Course Map

  Duolingo breaks its Spanish course into units, sections, and individual skills, and understanding how these pieces fit together helps learners plan a realistic…

• What Dialect of Spanish Does Duolingo Teach? What You're Learning

  Millions of people turn to Duolingo when looking for the best way to learn conversational Spanish, yet a surprisingly common question follows: what dialect of S…

• Can You Learn Spanish in a Year? A Realistic Timeline

  Speaking conversational Spanish within a year is a realistic goal, but the outcome depends heavily on method, consistency, and understanding what language acqui…

• Is Duolingo Good for Spanish? What Learners Should Know

  Duolingo is one of the most downloaded language apps in the world, and for many people, it's the first stop on the road to Spanish fluency. Short lessons, gamif…

• Is English or Spanish Harder to Learn? A Practical Comparison

  Spanish and English sit on opposite ends of the language-learning spectrum, and understanding why helps learners make smarter decisions from the start. Spanish…

• Is Pimsleur Good? A Better Way to Learn Conversational Spanish

  Pimsleur has built a reputation as one of the go-to audio programs for language learners, and Spanish is no exception. For anyone exploring the best way to lear…

• How Long Does It Take to Learn Spanish With Duolingo?

  Downloading Duolingo and finishing a few lessons is a solid start, but many learners quickly wonder how long it will actually take to hold a real conversation i…

• Best Way to Learn Conversational Spanish and Master It Faster

  Most people studying Spanish can read a menu or conjugate a verb, yet freeze the moment a native speaker responds at full speed. That gap between textbook knowl…

• Duolingo Spanish Review: Is It Enough to Become Fluent?

  Duolingo Spanish Review: Is It Enough to Become Fluent?Hub: Spanish For Beginners, Target Keyword: Duolingo Spanish Review Meta Title: Duolingo Spanish Review:…

• How to Choose the Best Duolingo Alternative For Spanish

  Duolingo works for some learners, but many people find it overly gamified, too slow, or simply not built for how they absorb a new language. For anyone searchin…

• Rocket Spanish Review: Is It Still Worth It for Speaking Fluency?

  Rocket Spanish is one of the most recognized programs for Spanish beginners, but recognition alone does not make a course worth the investment. This review exam…

• Rosetta Stone vs Pimsleur: Which Gets You Fluent Faster?

  Choosing between Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur is one of the first real decisions a beginner faces when studying Spanish. Both programs have loyal followings, both…

• Babbel Spanish Review: Is It Worth It for Real-World Fluency?

  Choosing a Spanish learning app is harder than it sounds. Babbel is one of the most recognized names in the space, but recognition does not guarantee results. T…

• Pimsleur Spanish Review: Is It the Best Way to Learn Spanish?

  Pimsleur Spanish has built a strong reputation among beginners drawn to its audio-first, listen-and-repeat method. For anyone exploring Spanish as a beginner, i…

• Best Free Apps to Learn Spanish: 10 Options to Start Speaking Faster

  Starting to learn Spanish can feel overwhelming when dozens of apps promise results, but few deliver a clear path forward. Choosing the right tool early on shap…

• 10 Duolingo Alternatives That Help You Speak Spanish Faster

  Many beginners pick up Duolingo, work through weeks of lessons, and still freeze when a real conversation starts. The gap between app progress and actual speaki…

• Babbel vs Rosetta Stone: Which Is Better for Learning Spanish?

  Choosing between Babbel and Rosetta Stone is one of the most common dilemmas for beginners learning Spanish, and the decision matters more than most people expe…

• How Much Is Duolingo and What's the Real Cost of Learning?

  Millions of people download Duolingo each year, hit a paywall within days, and immediately wonder what the premium version actually costs and whether it is wort…

• Best App to Learn Spanish Without Boring Lessons

  Finding the right tool to learn Spanish can feel overwhelming when most resources are either too rigid or too slow to deliver real results. For beginners, espec…

• Spanish Writing Practice Tips to Improve Fluency Faster

  Staring at a blank page trying to form a single Spanish sentence, is a common experience for new learners. Speaking and listening can feel manageable early on,…

• 10 Best Apps Like Duolingo for Learning Spanish Faster

  Finding the right app to study Spanish as a beginner can feel overwhelming, especially when so many options promise fluency but deliver little beyond repetitive…

• 10 Best Spanish Shows on Netflix to Learn With Faster

  Watching Spanish-language shows on Netflix is one of the most effective ways for beginners to absorb real speech patterns, everyday slang, and natural conversat…

• 50 Spanish Idioms That Will Make You Sound More Natural

  Even when grammar is correct, Spanish can still sound stiff and unnatural without idiomatic expressions. Native speakers rely on these phrases constantly, and f…

• Spanish Past Tense Made Easier for Real Conversations

  Getting stuck mid-sentence when describing something that has already happened is one of the most common frustrations for beginners in Spanish. The culprit is a…

• Spanish Pronunciation Tips That Make You Sound More Natural

  Many Spanish learners study vocabulary and grammar diligently, yet still feel something is off the moment they open their mouths. Native speakers respond too qu…

• Spanish Verb Conjugation: Why It Feels So Hard and How to Master It

  Spanish verb conjugation is often the first real challenge for beginners. Unlike English, Spanish verbs change form based on who is acting, when the action happ…

• How To Practice Spanish Speaking Every Day: 9 Proven Ways

  The gap between studying Spanish and actually speaking it is one of the most frustrating parts of learning a new language. Most beginners can recognize vocabula…

• 30 Spanish Slang Words You'll Hear in Real Conversations

  Textbook Spanish and real spoken Spanish are two very different things. Native speakers rely on slang, informal expressions, and colloquial shortcuts that most…

• Preterite vs Imperfect: Speak Spanish About the Past Clearly

  Choosing between "fui" and "iba" is one of the most disorienting moments for anyone studying Spanish for beginners, preterite vs imperfect. Both forms refer to…

• Por vs Para: The Simple Way to Stop Mixing Them Up

  Spanish learners often freeze when choosing between por and para, two prepositions that both translate to "for" in English but carry completely different meanin…

• Best AI for Spanish: Learn Faster Without Endless Study

  Learning Spanish has become more accessible through artificial intelligence tools that eliminate the endless repetition and memorization of traditional methods.…

• How to Start Learning Spanish Without Feeling Overwhelmed

  Starting to learn Spanish can feel overwhelming when faced with grammar rules and endless vocabulary lists. The key lies in finding practical methods that build…

• 500 Most Common Spanish Words and How to Remember Them

  Mastering the 500 most common Spanish words gives learners access to roughly 80% of everyday conversations. Rather than memorizing endless grammar rules or isol…

• 15 Easy Spanish Books That Actually Help You Become Fluent

  Many learners struggle to find Spanish books that actually build fluency without overwhelming them with complex grammar or boring textbook exercises. Most tradi…

• 9 Best Babbel Alternatives for Real Language Fluency

  Babbel's rigid lessons and high subscription costs leave many learners searching for better options. The platform's structured approach often fails to create th…

• How to Learn Mexican Spanish and Sound More Natural

  Mexican Spanish carries its own distinct rhythm, slang, and expressions that differ significantly from the Spanish spoken in Spain or Argentina. Learning these…

• 7 Best Alternatives to Duolingo for Spanish Fluency

  Duolingo's gamified approach keeps millions engaged with daily Spanish lessons, but many learners find themselves stuck translating sentences they'd never use i…

• Learn Spanish Through Music and Remember More Naturally

  Music creates powerful neural pathways that help the brain absorb and retain new languages more effectively than traditional study methods. Spanish songs natura…

• Spanish Pronunciation Guide: Sound More Natural in Conversations

  Weeks of Spanish practice can crumble in seconds when a native speaker asks you to repeat yourself. The culprit usually isn't vocabulary or grammar but pronunci…

• Spanish Short Stories for Beginners That Actually Improve Fluency

  Grammar rules and vocabulary lists provide the foundation for Spanish learning, but they often leave words feeling disconnected and lifeless. Spanish short stor…

• 25 Mexican Spanish Slang Words and Phrases You'll Actually Hear

  Textbook Spanish helps with ordering coffee or asking for directions, but real conversations in Mexico City involve expressions like "¡Qué padre!" and "No manch…

• 1000 Most Common Spanish Words: What Learners Should Know

  Staring at a Spanish menu while struggling to understand basic words reveals a common problem: most learners waste time memorizing vocabulary they'll rarely use…

• 15 Best Spanish Books for Beginners to Build Fluency

  Learning Spanish through reading offers one of the most natural paths to fluency, yet many beginners overlook this powerful approach. Spanish books for beginner…

• Spanish Is Spoken Worldwide: Here's Why You Should Learn It

  Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people across four continents, making it one of the most practical languages to master. From unlocking career opportunitie…

• 50 Common Spanish Phrases You'll Actually Use Every Day

  Standing in a Madrid café without knowing how to order coffee highlights why mastering everyday expressions is crucial for Spanish learners. Common Spanish phra…

• 25 Hard Spanish Sentences That Build Real Fluency Faster

  Many Spanish learners can handle basic conversations but struggle when native speakers use subjunctive moods, complex conditionals, or idiomatic expressions. Th…

• What Countries Speak Spanish? Guide to Spanish‑Speaking Nations

  Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people across multiple continents, transforming vocabulary lessons into real connections with diverse communities. From Me…

• Spanish Numbers Explained With Real-Life Examples

  Picture yourself standing in a bustling Madrid market, wanting to ask for dos kilos of fresh oranges, but the numbers escape you. Mastering counting, prices, da…

• 50 Useful Sentences in Spanish for Everyday Conversations

  Mastering basic sentence construction transforms Spanish learners from helpless gesture-makers into confident communicators. Whether ordering coffee in Madrid o…

• Spanish for Beginners Without Boring Grammar Drills

  Learning Spanish doesn't require endless memorization of verb conjugations or tedious grammar drills. Spanish for beginners can focus on building conversational…

• 30 Beautiful Quotes in Spanish With English Translation

  Mastering basic sentence construction transforms Spanish learners from helpless gesture-makers into confident communicators. Whether ordering coffee in Madrid o…