If you're serious about learning Chinese fast, than you'll need to speak regularly to a native speaker of Chinese. Most Chinese language learners don't live in an area where they regularly meet Mandarin speakers, so this can sometimes seem like an impossible challenge. However, the internet has made it possible for speakers of any language to practice with a native speaker thanks to language exchanges. All you have to do is teach a little bit of English (and it's easier than you think) in exchange for lessons in Chinese or any other language. A Google search will show a number of websites that pair up language learners for exchanges. This is my advice for making the most of your language exchange.
1. Just Do It
Don't wait until you've learned a substantial amount of Chinese before you try speaking it. It's never too early to start a language exchange, and your exchange partner is probably thrilled at the extremely easy task of teaching you the absolute basics like "hello" and "how are you". Chances are, they speak enough English to make the first lessons very easy for both of you.
2. Find Someone You Can Talk To
It's important to find the right exchange partner for you. They should be able to speak at least a basic amount of English, and you should have enough in common to be able to talk about your interests. If you choose someone who is interested in the same things you are you will find that you have additional incentive to speak and listen. If you choose a language partner who is very different, you may learn something but you'll probably get bored eventually.
3. Have Patience. Demand Patience
They key to a good language exchange relationship is patience. Make sure that when you are teaching English you are patient, and willing to go over repetitive concepts again and again. Never show frustration or make your exchange partner feel uncomfortable. Likewise, if your partner is easily frustrated when you make mistakes than you're better off looking for someone else as a Chinese teacher.
4. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
A language exchange works best as a way to practice concepts that you have already learned and work out problems that you have already encountered. Make sure you keep up with your daily practice, and keep a notepad or piece of paper handy in order to write down questions or problems you have. When your language exchange begins, ask the questions you have recorded and explain how your learning week went. Do not arrive at a language exchange and expect for your partner to do all of the legwork for you. Try to lead the conversation and speak as much as possible. It might even be helpful to make a short outline of things you want to try to talk about in Chinese.
Keep these things in mind and you should develop a great relationship with a language exchange partner that will help you both attain greater levels of fluency. Language exchanges are a fantastic way to practice speaking, and if you keep up a well functioning language exchange you will find your level fluency increase rapidly.
Justin White lives in Jhubei Taiwan, and frantically works at learning Chinese.
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