How to run a language exchange that keeps going
A language exchange pairs you with someone who speaks the language you are learning. How to find a partner, split the time and keep it going.
A language exchange is a meeting between two people who each want to learn the other's language. You spend half the time in one language and half in the other. It costs nothing, and it gives you something no app can: a real person who waits for your answer.
Find a partner who wants the same thing #
Look for someone at a similar level in your language as you are in theirs. If one of you is far ahead, the talk drifts into the stronger language. Cultural centres, universities and local libraries often run exchange evenings. The Goethe-Institut and the Instituto Cervantes list events in many cities.
Before you meet, agree on three things: how long you meet, how often, and how you will correct each other.
Split the language exchange time fairly #
Use a timer. Half an hour in one language, then half an hour in the other. Without a timer, the language that feels easier always wins.
In your half, you do most of the talking. In your partner's half, you listen, ask questions and help. Being a good helper is half of what keeps a partner coming back.
The exchanges that last are the ones where both people leave a little tired and a little pleased.
Bring a topic, not a script #
Silence is the main reason a language exchange fades. Bring one small topic each time: a photo from your week, a news story, a recipe. Write down three words you want to use. Then let the talk go where it goes.
If you want to sound more natural while you speak, try the shadowing technique on your own between meetings.
Correct each other kindly #
Agree to correct only what gets in the way of understanding. Note smaller mistakes on paper and go through them at the end. A partner who interrupts every sentence soon has nobody to talk to.
Keep the language exchange going #
Meet at the same time each week, so it becomes part of the week and not one more plan. If a week is busy, meet for twenty minutes instead of cancelling. A short meeting keeps the habit. Our post on a daily study routine shows how to fit practice around work.
About the author
Spanish editor of Bridgeword
Experience Runs a weekly language exchange evening and teaches Spanish to adults
Mateo edits the Spanish edition of Bridgeword. He teaches Spanish to adults and runs a language exchange evening every week. He writes about speaking, and about the habits that keep people learning after the first excited month.
