For the CEO of a language-learning app, Duolingo's Luis von Ahn wants to own a communications breakdown. The company announced in May that it would become "AI-first," sparking apprehension that lessons would lose their charm without the human touch. In a new interview with The New York Times, however, von Ahn says his memo missed the mark. He notes the company doesn't intend to lay off any of its 1,000 employees, but instead envisions increased productivity. With 130 million users and a $15 billion valuation, big business is at stake.