Language Exchanges

I might be repeating what I wrote about in my last post but anyway...
I find a great way to practice the language you are learning is to get a language partner in that language. Here is UL , you can do this through Language Exchange programme which is run by the Languages centre every here.
I basically went to the meeting which was organised, wore a tag to indicate my nationality and then went looking for someone I could potentially have a language exchange with. It was a bit daunting at first but after a few minutes it was easy to find people for the major languages. After meeting a french girl, we chatted for a few minutes and realised we had some common interested and then decided we would do an exchnage together.
We met once a week, for about an hour and generally spoke half of the meeting in french, and the other half in english. It was sometimes hard to think of things to talk about but this is not a big problem. Rather than always meeting in the cantine or at the library , you could go for a walk with your exchange partner, cook them dinner at your house, meet for a drink in the pub or even go to a party together. You can correct each other so it is mutually beneficial system. It is also useful to ask the exhange partner to have a look at your foreign language assignments and essays, and vice-versa. They will be able to correct your errors of expression and grammar. And when you correct their assigments in return, this can be a great insight into the mistakes that are common for students in the two languages.

Meeting these foreign students also gives you an insight into the life of an Erasmus student and their experiences in a country which speaks a language foreign to their own.

Although, some students might think a language exchange is not very appealing , I would say its a great idea. It will only be as fun or as worthwhile as the thought and time you put into it.

Hi guys, a bit of a while since my last post but here goes!

Lately, I've been tyring to thinking of other ways that might be effective for language learning in a non-formal, sub-conscious fashion.

I think one of these is meeting foreign students who are native speakers of the language you are studying. It might sound easier said than done, but really there are many ways to do this.

You could do a language exchange and that way you get to know a foreign student. Alternatively, here in University of Limerick you could join the OPC (Outdoor pursuits Club), the International Society where there are many Erasmus students, or even just get to know the Erasmus students in your lectures and tutorials. If you are lucky enough to get on very well with your new friend the he/she may invite you to some Erasmus/international parties. There will normally be alot of certain nationalities, e.g. Spanish, French students, who are generally very friendly. They will be impressed when you come out with a few words of their native tongue and when you tell them you are studying that langauge in University (or elsewhere)! From my own experience, I have found that the student are happy to talk with you and will even correct your mistakes if you ask them. I find this is a great way to practice the language in a fun, social setting such as a house-party as opposed to the clinical, and artificial setting of a classroom. There are generally good-looking girls and guys at these parties, so a bit of eye-candy is no-harm at all and who knows..you may even meet your next girlfriend or boyfriend there!

The conversation can be very varied and interesting...everything and anything can come up! For me meeting foreign student in a social setting is a great way to experiment with the new words, expressions and phrases you have learned. Try out saying something funny or unique and watch the expression on the other persons face to know if you have been undertood or not. The same social expressions that we use are common to the rest of Europe (believe it or not!)--a nod for understanding, a laugh if you succeeded in being funny, or a look a puzzlement if you made no sense! In this way you can get instant feedback ....and the bestting is its for free! This is real langauge in real everyday use. Its rich and authntic. Personally, I relish the oppurtunity to be able to use what I have learned in-a real-life setting like the pub or a house-party.

On top of that, there is also the cultural aspect ..I am lucky enough to live with two french girls sand one spanish girl-whcih makes for an interesting experience. Our house has been host to two french parties and one-french party so far, and I am constantly being invited to other Erasmus/international parties. Here you can sample the culinary delights of another country while speaking and learning the language. You can try some Comté fromage or down a bit of authentic Sangria ...or even dare yourself to some legendary Calimocho!

I have to say also that a few alcholic beverages really do help to loosen your tongue in a foreign language! This is probably a cliché among langauge learners but it really is true. Under the influence of alcohol , one is generally more confident and less worried and apprehensive about making mistakes and sounding like an idiot. You are more likey to enter into conversation and to keep speaking if you are a little merry...although I would like to point out that I am not condoning the drinking of alcohol..that is a personal choice! Please drink responsibly!

There are plenty of foreign student out there so make us of them-make friends with one, go to an erasmus pary, speak the language and have fun!