What is a language exchange?
- A language exchange is an informal way for people to use or improve their language skills, whether they are newly or less recently acquired.
- In addition to encouraging interrelation between people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, language exchanges contribute to broadening participants’ perception of the world.
I am not very fluent in the language I'm practicing. Can I still participate?
Absolutely!
- Our language exchange is about bringing people together, no matter their proficiency in other languages. The goal is to build community and simply practice speaking.
What do I talk about?!
We know that talking with other people can be scary, especially in another language. Just know that everyone is practicing and we're all here for the same reason--to improve!
- The Library will provide a suggested conversation topic each week.
- You are welcome to suggest your own topics of conversation to your language exchange partners, but please be respectful of the community agreement outlined on this guide and at the event.
Do I have to stay the whole time or talk to the same person the whole time?
- Although the exchange is scheduled for two hours, you do not have to stay for the whole time. Feel free to drop in and leave as you schedule allows.
- If there are different people present who speak a language you want to practice, feel free to speak with multiple people!
Do I have to attend every event?
- Nope! The recurring events are there so that people have an opportunity to attend whichever days fit in their schedule.
- Feel free to attend as many or as few language exchanges as you want.
What if I don't see a language represented?
Please let us know! We can add languages to our corresponding color board so others can see it represented.
- We don't arrange for individual language partners, so there's always a chance that no one will be at the event who speaks the language you want to practice.
- However, it is still helpful if you can stay and practice English with other learners!
Will you organize a language partner for me?
- We don't organize individual language partners for our language exchange events.
- If you make a great connection with someone, feel free to exchange phone numbers on your own!
Do library staff moderate conversations?
- No library staff are present to moderate conversations which happen during the language exchange, so it is important to be respectful of the community agreement and rules.
- It is the participant's responsibility to moderate their own questions and responses. Never share any private information with anyone you do not trust. For example: where you live, your full name, date of birth, or other personally identifying information.
- If at any time you feel unsafe, please notify a CBC Library staff member.
