Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

Just wanted to throw this idea out to those trying to learn a language. Language partners work great. YOu get together and they either teach you for a bit (if you have zero or basic knowledge of the language) OR you speak there language for a bit. Then you trade off.

Works out for both parties, you're both practising the language with a native speaker and for free. Plus you'll probably pick up on culture things and make friends in the process.

You can usually find people through expat forums for the country where you are, through Dave's, or possibly on coversationexchange.com

You might even be able to find someone who speaks a language that isn't the language of the country you're living in. I was able to find a native Romanian speaker here in Lima who agreed to help me between 1.5 and 3 hours three times a week, in exchange for teaching her friend.

[Glenski]

Maybe that works all right in Peru, but as much as the concept itself seems sound, I'm sure different countries have different situations.

In Japan, I dare say there are too many language exchange partners that end up making it a one-way "exchange" (English only) of learning.

I'd also like to ask whether anyone feels their language exchange partner actually teaches and explains the language, or just tells you a few expressions to sound more like a local. I would have a hard time learning from someone who couldn't explain the grammar.

[hollysuel]

I too have found that when I have tried a language exchange, we ended up speaking English the entire time. I think that one needs to find someone who is at a similar level as you and then it might work better.


After four years in Finland, I found someone who didn't speak English at all and that was the best for me as I learned a lot from her although she could not explain the grammar. It has been six years since I met her and my language acquisition has gone much better with this person helping me!

[naturegirl321]

Right, the key is finding someone's who's the same level as you. And for you to make an effort to just speak the language you're trying to learn. I have a book to work with for Romanian, so we follow that, having someone have to make up their own curriculum would be challenging.

[MO39]

It seems to me that this arrangement works best if both partners are on similar levels in their second language and if they can both already hold a conversation on this level without struggling much. Then you chat and learn new vocabulary and expressions without the need for structured grammar lessons.