Language exchange etiquette
Most language exchanges go well because people are kind and curious. A few small habits help every meeting. These are the ones that matter.
Be on time
Arrive on time, or send a message if you will be late. If you cannot come, say so as early as you can. Your partner gave up an hour for you.
Share the time
An exchange is two-way. Spend about half the time in each language. Use a phone timer if you need to. Switch when it rings.
If one person talks more, the other drops out. Ask your partner a question every few minutes.
Let people finish
Give your partner time to find a word. Do not rush to finish their sentence unless they ask. Silence while someone thinks is normal.
Correct kindly
Ask how they want to be corrected. Fix one thing at a time. Do not correct every slip. See correcting mistakes in a language exchange.
Put your phone away
Keep it face down. Use it to look up a word, then put it back. A dictionary lookup is fine. Scrolling is not.
Pick safe topics
Light topics are best at first: food, travel, work, hobbies, weekend plans. Leave politics and religion until you know each other. If a topic upsets someone, change it.
Respect privacy
Do not ask for home addresses, money or other private details. Do not share your partner's details or photos without asking. If someone asks you for something that feels wrong, you can say no.
Say when it is not working
Not every pair clicks. If you want to stop, say so politely. "Thank you for the practice. I think I need a different schedule." You do not need to say more. You can report a member in the app if something was not right.
Say thank you
A short message afterwards helps. "Thanks for today, same time next week?" keeps the habit alive.
New to this? Start with what to expect at your first table. For safety, read the safety guide.
More: how to host a table · first meet-up tips · pick a language