Voices en Español

This is part 2 of an article written by Becca Moy.

In Part 1 of this article, I talked about the benefits of doing language exchanges in a group setting. In this entry I’m going to give you some pointers on how to get the maximum out of these encounters. First things first:

What’s your primary motivation?
Be aware of your reasons for going. Are you serious about practicing Spanish? Or are you really just looking for people to hang out with? Only curious to see who shows up? Or is it a combination of all those things?

If you want to avoid speaking English or interacting with English-speakers be aware that there’s no escaping it. Since English is the “international language,” it is almost a given that the majority of people in attendance, no matter where they’re from, will speak some English. Also, many native English-speakers do attend, and often end up speaking together. My advice would be to go and to seek out the people that are also serious  about language-practice, and if you are going with friends, that they be similarly motivated to do so.

How can you tell if someone is serious about language practice? Well, they won’t be doing shots or knocking back drink after drink. In some settings, you may notice that they have a pen and paper or a small notebook on hand, and they will definitely be alert and focused on what other people are saying.

Don’t be afraid to approach someone and ask if they are there for the intercambio and if they want to practice. Of course “everyone is there for the  intercambio,” but when you ask this question it makes it clear that you are there specifically for the speaking practice. That doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself or make friends, but if practicing Spanish is your primary objective, make that your priority.

Spend an equal amount time practicing both languages. It’s obviously the best way to be fair to each person or group of people. It is also OK to change conversation partners throughout the event to get a better mix of speaking (and listening) at different paces, hearing a variety of accents and interacting with a cross-section of people. There’s no rule that says you have to talk to the same person all evening.

Come prepared with a few unusual questions and some interesting and fun general statements you can make about yourself in the foreign language you wish to practice. At the beginning it is primarily small talk, but make sure that your conversations aren’t always limited to the same old topics (name, nationality, what are you doing in Spain, where do you live, where do you go out, etc). Although I have become an expert at rattling off this boilerplate information with uncanny precision, it’s a bit dull repeating yourself.

Ask a variety of questions – perhaps something cultural [Which city would make a better day trip? Toledo or Segovia?], or something a bit more personal [What's the biggest tip you've ever left a waiter?] , or even something totally left-field [Jamón Serrano or jamón íberico?] – just to keep things interesting.

But whatever you do, stay away from politics or religion. At least in that first conversation.

And now a word to the wise, especially to the ladies. “Will you be my English teacher?” is a popular and rather tired pick-up line at these group events. Although many people (i.e. men) sincerely do want to practice the language, there are some who view the group intercambios as a dating pool and their real intentions are to find their next date, girlfriend or future wife. Obviously, if you hit it off with a guy and want to take things to the next level, that’s your business. But realize that some of the attention you get as a chica at these events might be coming from (male) attendees who have other ideas in mind. Just be aware of that dynamic so that your signals don’t get crossed.

Of course, if you want to keep things strictly platonic, the group intercambios are a great place to go to make new acquaintances, especially if you don’t care where your friends are from or what their native language is.  People of all nationalities and ages are present, with the largest representation being, of course, Spaniards, and then people from the U.S., U.K. or Australia.

It’s extremely easy to sit down with a group of people you’ve never met, start talking, and end the evening with a bunch of new phone numbers as well as plans for the weekend. After all, for the majority of people in attendance, the primary reason they’re there is to make friends, so the atmosphere is open and welcoming.  Don’t hesitate to smile and strike up a conversation, and don’t be too worried if you are a wallflower because someone will probably approach you.

Whatever it is that gives you an interest  in attending a group intercambio, be clear on your objectives (solely language practice/find party friends/meet soulmate) and respectful of other people’s priorities and their varying degrees of interest in language practice.  With this information in mind, all of your goals can  be met during a language exchange (except, perhaps, the soulmate one).

What’s been your experience with group intercambios? In the final analysis, what was the greatest benefit you got out of it?