Today I used Skype for the first time ever. Now I'm asking myself why I never bothered to find out more about it earlier!
I heard about Skype, probably the most famous VoIP (Voice over IP) service about a year or two ago, but never really knew of anyone who used it on a daily basis, or even tried it for that matter. In the past, though very rarely, I would have used MSN messenger to hold voice conversations with friends.I didn't think I had a need to use something like Skype, until my Italian teacher suggested last week different methods to improve my learning. Read the news in Italian, watch Italian TV, listen to the radio in Italian, talk with people in Italian.
Talking with people in Italian is a bit of a problem when you live in Scotland. There are not many Italians here, and if they don't want or need to learn English, then they have no real reason to be interested in listening to you speak very broken Italian.
That is where Skype came to my rescue! After creating an account, wiring up my microphone and such devices, I was easily connected. A quick search on Google for "language exchange on Skype" turned up The Mixxer. 5 minutes later, I was speaking with an Italian from Rome, whose English was about the same standard as my Italian. He spoke in English, I replied in Italian. And vice-versa, correcting each other (and there were many!) of any mistakes.
Ok, so knowing how old someone is, where they are from or what they do isn't the most advanced topics of discussion, but you have to start somewhere!
We spoke for about 2 hours, only in the languages we are both learning. A benefit of Skype is that you can text-chat while holding a voice conversation. In this instance it was particularly beneficial to be able to see how words are spelt.
While it's probably easier for the Italian in Rome to meet English speaking people, it's not quite so easy to find willing Italians in Stonehaven! After the conversation tonight, I can definitely see how this will help improve my language skills. It's all very well being able to read and write, but if you can't speak it, what use is it?
Some information about Mixxer language exchange via Skype.
The Mixxer is a social network for language exchanges. The first thing to do is find people for a language exchange. You can do a search for other language learners then contact and add them as your friend.
Once you have made a few friends, practice your writing by submitting a document and asking for help from native speakers. In exchange, help others who are asking for help correcting a document in your native language. You may also receive invitations from teachers seaking language partners for their students at certain times. Sign-up if you're interested. All language exchanges should give time for each person to practice the language they are learning.
Ewan Duthie is a website developer who lives & works in Scotland, UK. I have a keen interest in front-end development, web standards & usability. In my spare time I enjoy travel, studying Italian and spending time with my girlfriend. If you want to get in touch with me, please do so by filling out my contact form.
February 2nd, 2010 // By christinanam