Tips to be a good partner in a language exchange
A language exchange is an alternative method used to learn a language without being in a structured classroom environment. It is usually achieved by two or more native speakers teaching each other their mother tongues. Some people are afraid to participate in language exchanges because they think they need to have teaching skills. Follow these tips to accomplish amazing results.
1. Talk about each other’s expectations
Once you have found a language partner, it’s important to define what you expect from each other. Find out WHY the person wants to learn your language, what motivates him or her; is it to get better career opportunities, to be able to communicate with family members, to prepare to live abroad? Once you know your partner’s reasons, it will be easier to plan your conversations.
2. Help your language partner asses his/her level
It’s always good to know your partner’s language level as it will give you a base to start with. Language exchanges are always more successful if the person you are helping is already familiar with your language. If your partner has zero knowledge of the language, you will have to use some books to help him /her acquire some basic vocabulary. Usborne Quicklinks offers a great variety of books to learn basic vocabulary through images. 
If your partner has no idea about what level he/she, this online tool might be useful: https://www.transparent.com/language-resources/tests.html
3. Get prepared: Find a topic or conversation starter
It’s important to be prepared and to have a topic for your conversation. Without a topic, you will tend to talk about things you already know. A topic will push your language partner out of her/his comfort zone and forces him/her to use new vocabulary or expressions. Current events make great conversation starters. You can find useful topics in the resources section of this page.
4. Keep track of time
Set a timer to make sure you both have time to practice your target language.
5. Be mindful of your language partner’s skills
Your role is to encourage your partner to participate and make sure he/she can follow the conversation. Adjust your vocabulary and speed according to his/her language level. Use simple sentences and speak slowly when working with beginners and use more sophisticated vocabulary when working with advanced learners. Always make sure your partner does most of the talking.
6. Handle mistakes with care
Decide with your language partner how he/she wants you to handle his/her mistakes. Does he/she want to be corrected as he/she speaks or after he/she finishes? Try not to be too much of a perfectionist, especially with beginners or intermediate level learners, only concentrate on mistakes that interfere with understanding. It is better not to interrupt someone in the middle of a sentence to correct him or her. Listen carefully, write down the mistakes, and go through them together. If your language partner says a word that you don’t understand (because of poor pronunciation, for example), just ask him/her to write it down, then say it for them. Pronunciation is important! Don’t be too picky on grammar mistakes – too much correction interferes with the conversation and can frustrate and block speakers. About grammar rules, keep in mind that being a native speaker doesn’t mean that you know all the rules of your language. When asked about a language rule, don’t be shy to say that you don’t know it. You can either look for a specific rule on the internet and share it with your partner on your next meeting or let your partner look for it him/herself.
7. Manage group conversation efficiently
When working with a group, make sure you take into consideration every member of the group, some people are shyer and others more talkative. It is your job to keep the conversation balanced between the team members. Surprise the group members with “what did she/he say’’ or ‘’what do you think about that’’ right after someone stopped talking. This will encourage everyone to listen to the others
8. Encourage your language partner to take notes
We all know the saying “memory is a faculty that forgets’’. According to the American educator Edgar Dale, we only remember 20% of what we hear. In language learning, note-taking is crucial. Encourage your partner to get a notebook that will be strictly dedicated to the language that he/she is learning and to write down every new word, verb or expression he/she has learned. This is the best way for them to keep track of their improvement.
9. Apply the same protocol as any other normal conversation
The ethics of a conversation in a language exchange should not be different from normal conversations:
Always:
1. Be respectful
2. Listen carefully
3. Make eye contact
4. Disagree with respect
5. Be honest
6. Stay on topic
7. Close the conversation politely
Never:
1. Use your phone while having a conversation
2. Interrupt others in the middle of a story
3. Hijack the conversation
4. Make offensive comments
5. Raise your voice to be heard
6. Belittle others
10. Enjoy!
Learning a language must be fun! Make sure you and your language partner enjoy every moment!