Language exchange
A language exchange is a relationship between two or more people who have interactions around the exchange of language. People typically join into a language exchange to gain practice in a target language. Other reasons for joining might include cultural exchange or companionship. Partners of a language exchange are usually native speakers of each other's target language. Meetings between language exchange partners can be held in person or via videoconferencing platforms. Potential challenges of language exchanges can involve differing motivations, cultural miscommunications or scheduling conflicts. Language exchanges are sometimes called Tandem language learning.
In modern contexts, a language exchange most often refers to the mutual teaching of partners' first languages. Language exchanges are generally considered helpful for developing language proficiency, especially in speaking fluency and listening comprehension. Language exchanges that take place through writing or text chats also improve reading comprehension and writing ability. The aim of language exchange is to develop and increase language knowledge and intercultural skills. This is usually done through social interaction with the native speaker. Given that language exchanges generally take place between native speakers of different languages, they may also improve participants' cross-cultural communication skills.
History
This practice has long been used by individuals to exchange knowledge of foreign languages. For example, John Milton gave Roger Williams an opportunity to practise Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and French, while receiving lessons in Dutch in exchange. Language exchange first came about in the early 1800s where school aged children in England were introduced to the newly set up program. Countries such as Belgium and Switzerland found the language exchange program very easy to run as there were many languages spoken in the one country. French and German youth picked up language exchange in 1968 which then spread to Turkey and Madrid.In education
American universities are increasingly experimenting with language exchanges as part of the language learning curriculum. In this respect, language exchanges have a similar role as study abroad programs and language immersion programs in creating an environment where the language student must use the foreign language for genuine communication outside of a classroom setting. In such programs, international and American students can be paired up with one another so they may then freely organize meetings that permit opportunities for communication and intercultural exchange. In other examples of university language exchange programs students may join for practices like language tutoring, conversation groups, or social gatherings.Technology
Most language exchanges are set up through language learning websites and applications with platforms that accommodate the search and selection of potential language partners. Many of these networks offer the opportunity for language partner selections based not only on target language, but also country of origin, gender, age, and language proficiency level of a potential partner. Examples of these include HelloTalk and Tandem.Language learning social networks offer language students the opportunity to find language partners from around the world. Many such platforms allow language exchange partners to text, as well as speak to one another through voice or video calls. Partners may also decide to communicate via instant messengers, voice-over-IP technologies, or other telecommunications platforms. Location and means permitting, connected partners may also later elect to meet in person.
Advances in language learning social networks have provided an outlet for foreign language students who previously had difficulty locating opportunities to practice their target language. Language exchange platforms often offer partnerships, with some offering as many as several million users. The diversity among the countries of origin for potential partners can mean the opportunity to experience a myriad of linguistic and cultural exchanges.
Benefits
Linguistic help
Language exchanges have been viewed as a helpful tool to aid language learning at learning institutions and among individual learners. The benefit of most language exchanges is that they are often performed between native speakers. Practice with native speakers can not only provide more robust opportunities for feedback regarding linguistic elements such as pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, but also authentic listening practice.Cultural exchange
Another major benefit of language exchange is the exposure to the native speaker's culture. Not only does learning about the culture of locations where one's target language is spoken enhance their overall linguistic abilities, it can also serve to broaden their intercultural communication skills.Informal environment
Language exchanges can provide a friendly and informal environment for new language learners. Both speakers are trying to learn and understand, and such an atmosphere can reduce pressure on either partner. This also gives the learning environment a fun and productive atmosphere.An additional benefit is that people are learning faster when they have a one-on-one connection with the "teacher".