The Secret To A Perfect Language Exchange - Part 2
Having walked you through my ‘not-so-perfect’ language exchange debut in part one, it’s now time to swing the spotlight towards the brighter side. The mishaps, the mistakes, and the missed cues were all just stepping stones on the path to language mastery. Buckle up, as we’re about to unravel a list of tried and tested tips and tricks that will make your language exchanges the highlight of your linguistic journey! No more stumbling over a ‘hola’ or a ‘cómo estás’, let’s delve into the secrets of a successful language exchange! P.S. isn’t that Superman reference in the photo just hilarious?
1. The Place
Online versus face to face. This comes down to personal preference or what you are seeking. I know for example that during busier periods, I prefer to speak to people online via Skype. This is good because it requires no travel time, and you have a large range of people to choose from. This means that if you have a busy schedule, you can find the person that is perfect for your needs. Face to face has other benefits. The main thing is that it is social! When I was in Ireland, this was a way for me to socialize while still improving my language abilities. If you are living in a new place, then face to face language exchange may also be a way to make new friends.
This well-intentioned behavior, usually meant to facilitate communication, can inadvertently create a roadblock in your language learning journey. However, it’s important to remember that this is a common experience. It’s not a reflection of your language skills but a testament to the global prevalence of English.
2. The Time
How often and for how long. If you have an examination in two months, don’t message a person that “likes learning languages, is currently studying six, but doesn’t have much free time”. This person will probably speak to you once a month. Find somebody who is available to speak as much as you. This way the both of you can establish a routine and decide the best times for both to speak. It is very easy to get into the habit of writing “Hey I can speak now if you are free”. This is not efficient, and it is much better to have a set time put aside for when you can both talk. Then any additional last minute sessions will be a bonus!
So don’t lose heart – there are effective strategies that can help you navigate these situations and keep your language learning on track. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your interactions and practice time.
3. The Person
Find a nice person to talk to. Ok, assume that the person you found is a combination of being: impatient, obnoxious, racist, angry, or spits on you when they speak (some of these are exaggerated to make a point)… but they speak your target language so it’s ok… No!…you must find somebody who is nice to be around. Not for their language, but for them as a person. Think to yourself “would I speak to this person for an hour if they were from my city and spoke the same language?”. Do not tolerate an annoying person just because they are helping you with a language. If the person is impatient, unhelpful, etc, you won’t want to speak to the person in English, Spanish, French or any other language. I have met some really cool people through language exchanges, just make sure that you are selective.
You can start by saying something like, “Estoy aprendiendo español y me gustaría practicar. ¿Podemos continuar en español, por favor?” (I’m learning Spanish and I would like to practice. Can we continue in Spanish, please?). This simple request can set the tone for the conversation.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask for what you need. Most people will respect your wishes and may even appreciate your effort to learn their language.
4. The Equality
The golden rule with language exchanges: it must be 50/50. I don’t care if you are a beginner in German and your partner has a PhD in linguistics from Oxford University. If the person wants to do an exchange with you, they need your language too! Your language is just as valuable as theirs, so make sure that it is an equal exchange. This is extremely important to maintain. I use a timer when I speak with other people and that way it is totally equal. You must be firm with this and if the person is breaking the rules and speaking your native language when it is time to practice your target language, pause the timer and say to them:
- “I have paused the timer, it is time for me to practice. Could we please speak your language now?”.
Be firm but polite, and consistent. Even the most stubborn person will eventually learn that you want equality and will respect you for it. Remember to have confidence. You deserve half of the conversation, regardless of their level. This is equal for you and you cannot rip the other person off as it is not fair and they will eventually (and rightfully) get upset with you and stop doing exchanges with you. So, even if your level is very high, be patient with your partner, they will really appreciate it. During my exchanges, even if I knew the perfect Spanish or French translation of a phrase, if it was English time, I try not to use it. I would only give a translation if they asked me for it.
5. The Conversation
What do you want to talk about? I would recommend that you make the most of both your time. Conversations can very quickly become repetitive or dry, and considering you have an “expert”, you may want to use this time more wisely. For example, choose a particular topic e.g. weather, practice the vocabulary during the week, and then prepare activities and questions to practice with your partner. Maybe you just want a normal conversation, maybe you want to practice particular areas, or maybe you want to work on pronunciation. Be honest with your language buddy and explain what you would like to accomplish. Don’t expect them to teach you grammar if they are not a teacher, and don’t take it too seriously either. Remember that this isn’t an preparation class on the eve of your biggest test! This is simply a way to practice your target language, make friends, and have a good time.
6. The Corrections
Corrections are vitally important. When I am conversing with my language buddy, I write down their errors for them (in good handwriting) and talk about the problems when they make them or at the end (if I don’t want to interrupt their flow). Do not overdo it. Speak to them beforehand to find out what they want and how they want it. As a teacher, I personally have the habit of overcorrecting, which can sometimes be problematic and damaging to someone’s confidence. Speak to the person and find out what is best for both of you. This is also important for you. Speak to your partner, tell them how many corrections you would like, and the best way to do it. If you are exchanging online, write the errors during the conversation, take a picture, and send it to your language friend afterwards.
7. The Respect
This involves a lot of things. Firstly, make sure that you are punctual and that you don’t cancel last minute or change plans without notice. Not only are you wasting the other person’s time, but you have also interrupted their schedule and possibly weakened the relationship. This works both ways! Do not tolerate someone that keeps cancelling. This happened to me recently, and after the person cancelled the first two meetups (one of which was only ten minutes before our exchange, while I was walking to the destination) I sent a polite but firm text message to explain that my time is important to me and that I would rather look for another partner as it think it would be better for both of us.
Help your language exchange partner. Don’t speak too fast if they cannot understand you. Speak clearly and be patient! They will return the favour when it is your turn. Going back to number four, be respectful of your partner’s time and make sure they are respectful of yours, so that you both get an equal amount of time speaking and that the both of you can advance together along your target languages.
Conclusion
Useful Tips
- Use a timer to monitor your conversational time
- Write errors for your partner and have them do the same for you
- Prepare before the exchange so that you can make the most of your time
- Write problems you have during the week and show your partner to see if they can help you
- Have fun!
Final Note
A language exchange is a wonderful thing and can really make the difference between a good language student and a great one. This post will hopefully help you make the most of your time and have a successful exchange! Good luck!
With the strategies shared in this blog, you’re now equipped to handle these situations and make the most of your language learning journey. From being upfront about your goals to persisting in your responses in Spanish, each tactic is a tool that can help you cultivate your language skills.
And remember, every conversation, no matter how small, is a practice opportunity. It’s these little everyday interactions that will eventually add up, enhancing your fluency and confidence in Spanish.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, making mistakes is an essential part of learning a language. Don’t be afraid to speak up, stumble, and then pick yourself up again.
Bonus Tip:
As a final note, consider joining a Spanish learning community or platform, such as Moyhuu. By being a part of a dedicated learning community, you’ll find yourself surrounded by supportive peers and a wealth of resources to aid your language learning journey.
Moyhuu offers a wide range of courses, from grammar and vocabulary to pronunciation lessons, all tailored to suit different learning styles. It’s a great way to supplement your real-life practice and take your learning to the next level.
In addition, sharing your experiences and tips with other learners can make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming. After all, language learning is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary, it’s about connecting with people and cultures.
Remember, the most important thing is to not give up. Your determination and perseverance will pay off, and soon, you’ll be conversing confidently in Spanish ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)