In a recent blog,
I found the assertion by a language learner and teacher that speaking
with a non-native in learning can reap many benefits. Previously, I
have asserted perhaps unknowingly that speaking with natives is also
really beneficial, because of all the first hand real usage you get
when it comes to learning. So to append my initial thoughts I will
revise my beliefs when it comes to oral practice in a target language.
First, practicing with non-natives is necessary as a beginner, perhaps even essential to developing oral skills, and doing so has a great deal of benefits to the learner. As described in the blog I linked to it puts a learner on a level playing field with someone who knows exactly what you know, give or take some vocabulary, ease of cognition, and conjugation skill. It means that both learners will speak at a steady pace willing to listen to all mistakes and then work collaboratively to assure each person is understanding the conversation. What one learner can do and the other cannot makes for a cooperative situation where each learner is working to reinforce the skills of their partner.
In a native to non-native situation the communicate schema changes completely. I think that delving into speaking with a native should be a step taken only when the learner is proficient enough to accurately comprehend most text, has the ability to ask questions for further information, and can respond appropriately. It is likely that the native will correct and or criticize your mistakes, and my advice is that you should be embarrassed(People learn better that way I'll prove it in an upcoming blog!). I've found that a native to non-native situation is best when the native is learning your native language, then there is a commonality since each person will understand the alternative grammars of each other. It also gives each person the ability to practice their target language and pickup vocabulary that is useful for expressive modes of thought and emotive responses. I've even found it useful if each respective person uses their native language to reply, because you benefit from the ease of expressing your own thoughts, but then you also have to comprehend the reply, this can also work in a vice versa manner.
Here is an example dialogue between an American and Spanish speaker.
For advanced learners who really want to take off with their language learning then it is time to fine a native who is not familiar with English. Why? Well, keeping an active role within your language will help you develop it. In all the previous scenarios of conversing you had the option to slip into your most comfortable mode of communication. Of course, that's what you learned a language for anyhow, so you could converse in the language. However, finding friends who speak only your target language is key to developing a fluidity of speech that is necessary to effectively communicate.
First, practicing with non-natives is necessary as a beginner, perhaps even essential to developing oral skills, and doing so has a great deal of benefits to the learner. As described in the blog I linked to it puts a learner on a level playing field with someone who knows exactly what you know, give or take some vocabulary, ease of cognition, and conjugation skill. It means that both learners will speak at a steady pace willing to listen to all mistakes and then work collaboratively to assure each person is understanding the conversation. What one learner can do and the other cannot makes for a cooperative situation where each learner is working to reinforce the skills of their partner.
In a native to non-native situation the communicate schema changes completely. I think that delving into speaking with a native should be a step taken only when the learner is proficient enough to accurately comprehend most text, has the ability to ask questions for further information, and can respond appropriately. It is likely that the native will correct and or criticize your mistakes, and my advice is that you should be embarrassed(People learn better that way I'll prove it in an upcoming blog!). I've found that a native to non-native situation is best when the native is learning your native language, then there is a commonality since each person will understand the alternative grammars of each other. It also gives each person the ability to practice their target language and pickup vocabulary that is useful for expressive modes of thought and emotive responses. I've even found it useful if each respective person uses their native language to reply, because you benefit from the ease of expressing your own thoughts, but then you also have to comprehend the reply, this can also work in a vice versa manner.
Here is an example dialogue between an American and Spanish speaker.
American_Guy: HiHere there is an exchange fairly simple and natural for both parties. The context here is very simple, but the learner should attempt to say as much as they can in the target language, especially in, "Hello, how are you?" scenarios where the context has been thoroughly memorized. Whereas, more complex ideas can, if appropriate, be kept in the learner´s native language, but still with a valid attempt at coding the text into the target language at least mentally.
Spanish_Guy: Hola
American_Guy: How are you?
Spanish_Guy: Estoy bien, ¿y tú?
For advanced learners who really want to take off with their language learning then it is time to fine a native who is not familiar with English. Why? Well, keeping an active role within your language will help you develop it. In all the previous scenarios of conversing you had the option to slip into your most comfortable mode of communication. Of course, that's what you learned a language for anyhow, so you could converse in the language. However, finding friends who speak only your target language is key to developing a fluidity of speech that is necessary to effectively communicate.
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