What is a language exchange?
A language exchange is a simple swap. You help someone practise your language, and they help you practise theirs. Nobody is the teacher and nobody pays.
How it works
Say you are a native English speaker learning Italian, and you meet an Italian speaker learning English. You talk for half an hour in Italian, then half an hour in English. You both get speaking practice with a real person, which is the part that apps and classes find hard to give you.
What you need
- A language you speak well enough to help someone else.
- A language you are learning, at any level.
- A bit of patience. Both of you will get stuck sometimes, and that is the point.
Language exchange or lesson?
A lesson has a teacher, a plan and usually a fee. An exchange is a conversation between equals. You will not get a structured course, but you will get practice with natural, everyday speech, and a chance to make a friend.
Where to do it
You can meet one person for a coffee, or join a small group at a language table. Nearly Fluent is a free app for finding language partners in Surrey and London. You pick the languages you speak and the ones you are learning, say hello to someone nearby, and meet in a public place.
Tips for a good exchange
- Agree how to split the time, so both languages get used.
- Say whether you want to be corrected.
- Start with easy topics like food, travel and weekends.
- Be kind. Everyone is learning something.
New to it? Read what to expect at your first table.
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