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Language ExchangeJane is an english speaker who is studying Romanian from a language teacher. She meets on a weekly basis with Emila who is a Romanian and is learning english from a community college. They have arranged to meet in a public place for 90 minutes. The first 45 minutes of the conversation they speak only in english. During this time, Emila learns to speak better and more fluently in english. Jane may correct her mistakes in pronunciation and grammar which Emila makes in english. Likewise, Jane and Emila spend the next 45 minutes speaking only in Romanian. It is now Jane's turn to speak more fluently in Romanian with Emila who corrects Jane's mistakes. They may use their respective textbooks from their language lessons in order to do some exercises together or to clarify something that is difficult to understand. There is no payment involved for either Jane or Emila. The right kind of practice is needed in learning a new language. The emphasis is placed on the most common conversational communication people use in the target language which can never be learned from a textbook. A language exchange allows both parties to come together in a structured yet relaxed environment where there is no stressful evaluation process. This causes them to practice more regularly in both a supportive and interactive atmosphere. The Cormier method provides structure through how-to guides and lesson plans promoting a positive learning situation. The various activities are designed to address vocabulary, comprehension, and pronunciation for effective language acquisition. There will never be a loss for words using this proven method. The motivational factor is that students who have the same goal are willing to help each other achieve that goal. Who makes a good language partner? They say it is best for both partners to be at the same level and for conversation enrichment to be at the Intermediate level. However, this is not to say that a beginner cannot learn successfully in a language exchange but to do so the learner must be motivated and able to use resources outside the exchange for developing language skills. The partner will need to be able to give detailed explanation of how their language works and is able to explain language points clearly. Is my role a teacher or conversation partner? This will need to be determined by the partners. It will be important to know what each expects from the partnership and if their needs match. A language exchange compliments the complete classroom immersion in that it provides "real world" practice which includes informal expressions as well as enforcing classroom learning with a native speaker in a secure atmosphere where there is patience and time given to understanding. There are two ways to participate in a language exchange: one-on-one and with a group. The one-on-one exchange is where two people come together to learn the other's native language. Having only one partner allows for more talk time. The main benefit is long distance electronic communication via Skype, video chat, or email. The main disadvantages has to do with being limited to only one teacher/one learner with limited activities that can be performed. On the other hand, a group exchange using two languages involves several people meeting in-person to conduct group discussions and activities designed to learn the other's language. It allows the participant to hear various speakers in their target language on one topic which can lead to an increase in comprehension. Due to the fact that many people are involved, the electronic communication is not feasible in a group exchange. In my opinion, a language exchange would be a great way to learn the "real language of the culture" with all its informalities. A language exchange would seem to be the best training to bridge the gap between classroom learning and communicating in the real world. Works Cited Center for Language Education, An Introduction to Conducting a Language Exchange, n.d. Web. Kyle, Daren, Language Exchange Programs & The Benefits of a Language Exchange. PubArticles, n.d. Web. Kyle, Daren, Language Exchange: One-on-One v. Group Language Exchange. ArticleSnatch.com, n.d. Web.
