Nearly Fluent
Sign inFirst table cards
Three cards for your first language exchange. Print them, or keep them on your phone.
Ten things to talk about
Pick one and ask your partner the same question back.
- Where you are from, and what you like about living here.
- What you did last weekend.
- Your work or your studies, in simple words.
- Food: what you ate today, and the best meal you have had.
- A film, series or song you like right now.
- A trip you took, or one you want to take.
- Your family, pets and friends.
- Your morning, from waking up to leaving the house.
- Why you are learning this language.
- One thing you find hard in the language, and one thing you find easy.
Card 1 of 3. Nearly Fluent, nearlyfluent.com
Switch language every 15 minutes
Each person gets the same time in each language.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Use your phone.
- First 15 minutes: speak language A only.
- When the timer rings, swap. Speak language B only.
- Repeat once more if you have time. Two rounds each is a good hour.
- Stuck for a word? Say it in the other language, then ask: "How do you say this?" Then carry on.
- Keep the same topic when you swap. You will know more of the words the second time.
Card 2 of 3. Nearly Fluent, nearlyfluent.com
Correct each other politely
Agree this before you start.
- Ask first: "Do you want me to correct you?" Some people prefer to talk without it.
- Correct only mistakes that repeat, or ones that change the meaning.
- Wait until the sentence ends. Then say the right version once, calmly.
- Let your partner say it again. Do not explain the grammar unless they ask.
- Say what was good too. "I understood everything" helps.
- Swap roles: ask your partner to correct you the same way.
Card 3 of 3. Nearly Fluent, nearlyfluent.com
Ready for your first table?
Enter your email and we send a sign-in link. Then pick a table or say hello to a partner nearby.