Learn a Language - join a Tandem
What is a Language-Tandem?
- Language-Tandems are an efficient form of language acquisition, which costs nothing. They give you the possibility of learning a foreign language of your choice with a partner. In a Language-Tandem two people with different native languages meet so that they can learn each other’s language. For example: a French person who would like to learn German meets with a German who would like to learn French. So one learns the language in practice, through conversation with the Tandem partner.
Who can participate?
- Everyone can participate who is learning a foreign language or wants to improve their language skills by brushing up on what they already know: Students, Professors, Lecturers, University employees.
Tandem Principles
Basically there are no mandatory rules in a Language-Tandem, but there are two principles that one should bear in mind:
- Mutuality Principle:
Language-Tandems depend on mutuality. Both partners should be able to profit the same amount from the Tandem work. So make sure that both Tandem partners have about the same amount of talk time. - Learning Autonomy Principle:
Each Tandem partner is individually responsible for their own learning progress. Make it clear to both yourself and your partner why you would like to learn the other language and exactly what you want to learn or practice.
One Partner would like to learn how to speak Spanish on vacation and the other requires help with German homework, for writing applications or as preparation for an oral exam. Remember: Tandem partners are indeed native speakers – but are not trained language teachers! They do not exactly know the rules of their own language. Do not demand too much from your Tandem partner!
Tips and Ideas for Tandem partners:
Set out the rules for the Tandem with your Tandem partner.
- Where, When and How Long?
o How much time would and could you invest? Make arrangements with your Tandem partner, how often, how long and when you will meet. Experience has shown that it is best to meet regularly, especially in the beginning. Ideally is a fixed appointment once a week (about two hours). Keep the appointment if at all possible. If you have no time, inform your partner in good time.
o It is important for each language to budget for around the same amount of time (ex: 45 minutes for each language)
o For the first meeting a neutral place, where you can converse undisturbed, is appropriate (Cafeteria, Café, seating area on campus etc.).
o Prepare yourself for the meeting. You can bring books, newspapers, music, an application or an assignment from your studies.
o For which timeframe are you looking for a Tandem partner? (By the way: Language-Tandems can also be pursued over E-Mail, Skype, or the like.) - What?
What expectations do you have about the Tandem? Talk with your Tandem partner about your wishes and learning objectives. Consider:- With which goal would you like to improve your knowledge of foreign languages? (Studies, Travel, Career…)
- Which language skills would you especially like to practice? (talk in the foreign language, read and understand texts, broaden your vocabulary, get to know the other culture better…)
- Which style of learning is the best for you? (Dialog, visual…)
- Which subject areas interest you?
- With which tasks should the Tandem partner be helping? (presentation, application…)
- How would you like to be corrected?
- Suggested Topics and Tasks for the Tandem can be found online at: http://www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/tandem/tasks-de.html (available in several languages) and at http://www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch/slz/infosys/
- You can also undertake something together:
o Go to the Movies, Theatre or a concert
o Do a sport (jogging, swimming, bike riding…)
o Go on an excursion (to Stuttgart, Munich, etc.)
o Go to a restaurant or bar
What’s next? - Organization:
- If you would like a Tandem partner, fill out the application form with the compulsory data. The application forms can personally be handed in or emailed to the International Office.
- When we have found a Tandem partner for you, we will notify you. We will make an effort to find a partner for everybody who is interested as quickly as possible, but we cannot guarantee anything.
- In case we do not find a Tandem partner for you in the semester in which you first apply, you must file a new application for the next semester.
- If you have questions about the Tandem contact us at: tandem@reutlingen-university.de
