Whether online or up close and face-to-face, 'conversation exchanges' are a lot like going into a blind date. You can e-mail a bit before hand, but when it comes down to it that first real life conversation is almost always awkward as all get out. (Am I talking too much? Should I just nod and pretend like I know what she's saying? "You like music? Me too!") Needless to say, not the best scenario to loosen you up for language practice.
Of course, it's often true that you get what you pay for. And for cheapskates like me, that usually means the free exchange is destined to be a short-lived one.
I've tried conversation exchanges a few times and experienced what you might expect: 1) The other person had little to no training or skills in language teaching and basically ended up confusing me more than anything else, and 2) it was simply too unstructured for a beginner like me to be able to participate on an enjoyable level. One minute he or she would talk to me on a baby level and the next thing rattle on as if I were an old childhood chum. Oh, and I also tend to notice that 3) she usually isn't as pretty as I pictured in my mind.
But hey, who says all translating trysts have to crash and burn so miserably as that? Here's a few pointers that I think can help salvage your linguistical one-night stand.
First of all, exchange photos. Take the 'blind' out of 'blind date.' Reading is hard work; go ahead and judge a book by its cover. For a girl, this might be a little more risky and lure in some unsavory freaks and geeks types, but as a guy I would like to know a little more information about my potential student/tutor. And you know who to look for at Starbucks. Of course, if you're only going to meet through Skype this is a non-issue.
Once you've got an idea of the person from their photo, lay down some simple ground rules so you know each other's expectations. Go over your preferred learning styles. Some people prefer to be gently corrected (not interrupted) on the spot and others would like to finish through with their comments until coming to a convenient pause for any corrections.
Incorporate a real-life activity into your time. This could be role-playing or actually going to a restaurant, let's say a reasonably-priced sushi bar, and ordering in the target language. Focus on functional phrases or colloquialisms ("Sheesh, 'do you mind' saving some of that saké for me?" "Well, 'as a matter of fact'..."). Whatever activity you end up doing provides plenty of relatable topics for conversation so the table talk time together feels less like an interview or examination - or interrogation. Try out each other's hobbies and you'll be learning various vocabulary as you go.
The idea is to avoid straight-up academic exercises (like giving book reports) which can easily become forced and boring without one or both parties being a naturally-gifted teacher to guide things. This isn't to say that you can't or shouldn't do pronunciation drills or controlled speaking practice, but just be sure it's done with a good dose of levity.
Since you're not paying for lessons and don't have to worry about being intimidated by the other person's status as a professional, be frank and honest. If the exchange is not working out for you, say so and try the next available partner (Ooh! Me! Me, please! Over here!). But try not to burn any bridges. Half of this crazy conversation exchange whirligig is just practicing being a good friend. Though having a few breath mints on hand never hurt anybody either.
Unless you're this guy (not me!). In which case all bets are off.
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| "You like music? Me too!" |
※ Some more or less free sites for your perusal:
http://www.conversationexchange.com/ It's a basic, straight-up way to find people. I've used it once or twice. Luck of the draw.
http://www.livemocha.com
Offers the benefits of a conversation exchange with a chat function along with traditional lessons. Look me up.
http://www.lang-8.com
I just started using this. It's basically just for getting your writing entries proofread by native speakers.
http://www.edufire.com
Also, just started using this. Can't say much right now, but looks like a flexible way to find a tutor or class.
I haven't really used these following sites as much, but last time I checked I think they were more or less the same. Sorry for the lack of a real, in-depth review...
http://www.mylanguageexchange.com
http://www.sharedtalk.com/
http://www.italki.com/
http://www.languageexchange.org
http://www.polyglot-learn-language.com/
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