As an introvert, I find the idea of spending an evening talking to a group of strangers quite exhausting. But if you’re learning a language without living in a country where it’s spoken, you won’t have many opportunities to practise. That’s where language exchanges come in very handy.
Besides language practice, there are other potential benefits of going to a language exchange:
- Meeting people who definitely share at least one of your interests.
- Getting travel tips.
- Finding out cultural recommendations (good songs or TV shows in your target language).
- Hearing about other relevant events and activities in your area.
So, there are a lot of good things to come, if you can get over your initial hesitation. Here are some of my tips if you’re nervous about language exchanges.
Reconnaissance
Going to a new place for the first time can already be stressful. Take the pressure off yourself by checking out the venue in advance. Chances are it’s a coffee shop or pub. You could walk past it in the daytime so you’re sure of where it is and where the entrance is.
You could even go and get a drink at the same time as the language exchange is on, without joining the group, just to see if it’s easy to identify and how many people are there.
2. Perfect Timing
You may find it easier to arrive at the beginning. Language exchanges tend to be casual gatherings where people can drop in and out, so the middle period has the most people.
In contrast, at the advertised start time, you’ll probably find there are only a few people. You might even find there is only the host, who’ll be relieved that someone else has shown up, keen to talk and have much more time to welcome you.
3. Short and sweet
Give yourself a time limit for the first session if you’re nervous. Saying “I’ve only got 20 mins but just wanted to introduce myself/see what the group’s about” lets you check out the group and then slip off if you’re not comfortable.
You can always cancel your imaginary appointment if you’re having a great time!
4. Practice makes perfect
Practise the things you’ll definitely need: Nice to meet you / Self-intro / How long have you been learning X? / Have you been to X? / Have you been to the meetup before?
You’ll then understand most of the first things you hear and be confident about replying.
Bonus points if you practise by speaking out loud, rather than just reading and writing the key phrases.
5. Show and Tell
A prop such as a textbook, actual book or app gives you one definite thing to talk about with the other learners, and may help with connecting if they know/like the same thing.
If you’ve been to a country where the target language is spoken, travel photos on your phone or a tablet are another great source of conversation. People who’ve also been will want to share their experiences, and people who haven’t been will have questions.