Tips and advice for improving your language
Speaking a foreign language isn’t easy, but stick with it: being able to communicate confidently with people from different cultures is hugely rewarding.
Take your time
The beauty of Tandem is that it’s informal, so there’s no need to rush: think through your words and try to branch out of the vocabulary you’re already comfortable with.
Avoid filling in words you don’t know with your own language
Instead, ask your partner to help without reverting back and describe what you want to say in more basic terms.
Be aware of your tenses
make an effort to discuss what you have done since you last saw your partner, or what you plan to do in the week ahead
Helping others to improve their language
Although you are probably not an experienced teacher there’s a lot you can offer and a lot you can do to help your TANDEM partner improve their language skills.
Share your time equally!
You should aim to spend approximately half the time speaking in the language you’re practising, and half the time in your own language. This will ensure that both you and your TANDEM partner have a fair opportunity to learn each other’s language.
When you are speaking
Serve as a model. Remember to speak clearly and think about how you are expressing yourself – your partner is learning from what you say and write.
• Don’t revert straight back to your partner’s language when they don’t understand first time: try rephrasing what you have said using more basic words and gestures.
• Encourage your partner to interrupt you for questions if they cannot keep up with the pace of the conversation
• Be aware of how your own local dialect might differ from the national style: try to choose words that are universally recognised.
When your partner is speaking
No-one really likes being criticised, but constructive feedback is crucial to improving your partner’s language skills.
• Provide positive feedback! Point out good or correct use of grammar/words as well as mistakes.
• Explain grammar rules whenever you can, or offer an easier way of expressing what your partner just said.
• Be patient! Try not to cut your partner off by offering the word they are looking for – give them time to build a sentence and find the right words.