What is a Language Exchange? Language exchange is a method of language learning based on mutual language practicing by learning partners who are speakers of different languages. This is usually done by two native speakers teaching each other their native language. Language exchange is different from other Language learning methods as there is usually no set syllabus or activities.Language exchange
is sometimes called Tandem language learning. In modern contexts, "language exchange" most often refers to the mutual teaching of partners' first languages. Language exchanges are generally considered helpful for developing language proficiency, especially in speaking fluency and listening comprehension. Language exchanges that take place through writing or text chats also improve reading comprehension and writing ability. The aim of language exchange is to develop and increase language knowledge and intercultural skills. This is usually done through social interaction with the native speaker. Given that language exchanges generally take place between native speakers of different languages, there is also the side benefit of improving cross-cultural communication. Project Language Voices
As the growing number of migrants in Europe struggle with limited financial resources, this project aims to improve and facilitate their access to second language studies through participation in Language Voices language cafés, which are informal meetings based on voluntariness but also systematically organised. The migrants gain access to social, informal environments of the resident country while integrating into a community of learners and tutors, which is often a key success factor in establishing a quality life in a new country. The project will provide: 1) a preparatory training and handbook so that the multilingual Language Voices concept can easily and successfully be replicated throughout the EU or anywhere else in the world; 2) A comprehensive material bank with language learning and cultural material and resources and a possibility for online communication and language exchange; 3) A mobile application to find language exchange events available in the partner countries; 6) A Language Voices association registered in Finland to carry on the activities. The project objectives are: 1) to mitigate some initial barriers to language studies (regarding opportunity, access and cost); 2) to facilitate the proliferation of easily accessible, informal, low-cost but well-structured language training opportunities and material; 3) to provide all-encompassing multicultural, multilingual environment and meeting places in cooperation with local small businesses. The partnership:
Learnmera Oy, Helsinki, Finland
Folkuniversitetet, Kristianstad, Sweden
Sorrento Lingue srl, Sorrento, Italy
Stichting Vrouw en Welzijn, Geleen, The Netherlands
Bursa Eğitim ve Gençlik Derneği, Bursa, Turkey
Our House Project, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre, Belgium
Centro Educacion Permanente Cehel, Albuñol, Spain
