Abstract
It has long been recognized that there are many benefits that language learners derive from engaging in language practice with someone fluent in the language they are learning. One of the ways that learners can organize language practice is engaging in 'language exchange'. Language exchange websites provide language learners with a tool to find language partners, and enable them to receive feedback on their speaking or writing from someone who is a native or a fluent speaker of the target language. learners can act as experts or teachers of their own language. The chapter discusses reasons why language exchange websites can be beneficial for language learners, and investigate the learning options that the websites currently provide. It focuses on the challenges of using the websites, ways to overcome them, and learn how language skills can be sustained and improved using language exchange websites. Then, it looks at the two main types of language exchange websites: unstructured websites and structured websites.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Language Learning Beyond the Classroom |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
Pages | 43-52 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781134675661 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780415713146 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Scopus Subject Areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Arts and Humanities(all)