Advanced language exchange

Language exchange is known as a great tool for beginners to take the first step, but you can use it efficiently at an advanced level and it can be very beneficial if you know how to use it.

In order to have success with language exchange at an advanced level you have to have a native speaker partner, set clear goals, talk about topics suited for more formal and abstract language and learn sayings and colloquial expression to understand native speakers.

• Set clear goals for each lesson Beginners usually go with the flow and are satisfied with simply trying their luck with new words and having fun. (Which is of course perfectly fine at that stage) When you are going into a language exchange as an advanced or intermediate speaker you have to be more organized and goal oriented than that in order to really benefit from it. You also have to be more proactive. You are a confident speaker now and you are probably aware of your weak points. Let the language exchange partner know exactly what you need and bring your own exercises and ideas on what to do.

• Get a native speaker partner who lives in the country where they speak the language. Want to take your language knowledge to the next level? Practice with someone who actually lives in that country and familiar with the most recent changes in your target language. Where to meet them? https://www.meetup.com/; https://www.italki.com/ are both great sites, but you can also take a look at Facebook groups for people who want to practice your language in that country. So for example if your native language is Italian and you want to speak French, try ‘Italian speakers in France’ for example. Other more uncommon ways to meet such people are through couchsurfing, host people from that country, or write an e-mail to your native country’s embassy or cultural center in the country you learn the language of and ask them for help.

• Have a list of topics to talk about at your meetings. Make sure the topics match your level. They should be more abstract as opposed to the more practical topics of begginer and intermediate conversations. An exaple from an actual language exam: intermediate topic whould be: Family holidays and important days, but the advaced topic is: The importance of holidays and celebrations in societies and the life of an individual. See? There is a difference. Try keeping this in mind when looking for topics to talk about.

• Learn slang! Most advanced learners only focus on formal language and vocabulary, but forget about everday speech and colloquial expressions. Ask your language exchange partner to teach you sayings and slang expressions. Focus on both sides of the spectrum. An English example would be: Off the tracks, or hell of a…, or terrific. You wouldn’t know the meaning of these expressions if would translate them word by word. These expressions, eventhough rarely taught in language schools or mentionned in books, are an essential part of understanding native speakers.

See language exchange activities for any level, HERE

Learn about what language exchange partners are for, HERE

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