What actually happens at a language exchange?

If you’ve never been to a language exchange, walking through the door can be the hardest part. This is what a Linguas Tecidas session in Monforte de Lemos looks like, so you know what you’re walking into.

The basics

• We meet on Thursday evenings for about two hours, at a bar, café or shared space in Monforte. The place changes, so check the next sessions.
• It’s free, and nothing is required. If we’re at a bar or café, ordering something is a nice way to thank the venue.
• There’s no sign-up and no level test. Come when you can and leave when you need to.
• These days around 10 to 15 people come. Some weeks it’s over 20, and some weeks it’s one small table.

How the languages are shared

We mostly speak English, Spanish and Galician. How we organize it depends on the room and on who turns up.

Is there space, and enough people, for separate tables?

Yes

1. Tables by language English, Spanish or Galician, depending on who comes.
2. Move freely Change tables whenever you like.

No

1. One table, blocks of time We share out the two hours.
2. Pick the mix We choose the languages and how often to switch.
3. Everyone takes part Stay for the part that interests you.

What we talk about

Sometimes the conversation just flows. Other times we suggest a few topics in the announcement the day before. Either way, they’re only a starting point, and the conversation goes wherever it goes.

Your first time

• Most people come on their own. Say hello and we’ll introduce you and find you a place in a conversation.
• Tell us which language you want to practice, and which one you can help with.
• You don’t need a high level. Beginners are welcome, and getting things wrong is part of it.
• If you don’t understand something, say so. There are a few language teachers in the group and plenty of bilingual people, and someone will help.
• Nobody will test you. It’s a conversation, not a class.

How we treat each other

Correct kindly, listen as much as you talk, and leave room for quieter voices. The full version is on our How we get along page.

Come along

See the next sessions, or join the WhatsApp group.