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{{Essay-like|date=December 2011}}
{{Advert|date=December 2011}}}}
'''Tandem language learning''' is a method of [[language learning]] based on mutual [[language exchange]] between tandem partners, where
==Background==
In Tandem Language Learning both partners can meet in person (face-to-face Tandem) or learn by e-mail, phone or other media (eTandem, also called Distance Tandem), placing emphasis on cultural integration as part of the language-learning process. Within tandem exchanges, language learning takes place in the context of a “reciprocated autonomous” exchange,{{sfn|Cappellini|2016}} this means participants each take part in learning each others’ languages using an electronic tool in their own time. Time is equally
▲language learning is equally distributed (Cappellini, 2016). Learning is supported in different ways, for instance, via worksheets, textbooks or simply informal conversation. There are distinct uses of the Tandem method which promote independent learning e.g. Tandem Partnerships (two people, supported by counsellors), and Binational Tandem Courses (for groups, organised by moderators). The classic style is that where partners equally share the available time during the exchange. For example, a Portuguese speaker and a German speaker can talk for half an hour in German and then for half an hour in Portuguese. In this way, through language exchange partnerships with native speakers, and extra social and cultural experiences, participants become fully immersed in the target language culture. The only condition for participation in self-directed Tandem is to be at a lower intermediate level of language proficiency (Lower B1 Threshold). The Common European Framework of References for Languages ( CEFR<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre1_en.asp |title=Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR) |website=Coe.int |date=2014-03-29 |accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref>) Can-Do statements provide a clear description of language ability at the Threshold level (B1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eur.nl/english/ltc/alumni/cefr/b1/ |title=CEFR level B1 (Intermediate) |website=Eur.nl |date= |accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref> in several European languages.
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"Language learning by exchange" or the Tandem Approach is based on various systems of teaching exchange students abroad, such as: partner learning, "peer teaching", tutoring models and "Zweierschaften" (Steinig) or 'one-on-one discipleship'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linguee.com/german-english/translation/zweierschaft.html |title=zweierschaft - English translation – Linguee |website=Linguee.com |date= |accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref>
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* The majority of the schools under the TANDEM Network established the association 'TANDEM International'<ref name="tandem-schools1"/> with headquarters in Bremen, Germany. Since March 2014, TANDEM International has been the owner of the brand 'TANDEM'.
==Benefits==
At first, professional discussion primarily centred
Not only is Tandem concerned with language comprehension and learning, but equally with cultural understanding and knowledge. Accordingly, a critical analysis of its competence must also examine this second ‘leg’. In fact, it turns out that Tandem aids a change of perspective, with comparison of one’s own and foreign points of view. This is also very helpful during translator training. Moreover, native speakers report an increase of awareness about their own language in the course of the Tandem. Therefore, it seems to be suitable as a ‘confidence booster’ in learning contexts.
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Participants of this language exchange can experience how native speakers interact through text, voice and video chat. The sessions take about roughly one hour, in which the participants speak in one language for thirty minutes and then switch to the other language for the following thirty minutes. Additionally, through this experience the learners have the chance to learn something from their peers’ culture by using the target language accordingly.
* Utilising the timer accordingly
* Taking charge of your own learning when speaking in your second language
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* Not correcting grammar all the time, but striving for communication
* Being considerate to others
Advantages:
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Cormier’s method is a simple approach to e-tandem learning that has clearly had success, particularly with the use of Skype. Implementing such a method is possible with relative ease, but there are drawbacks as previously discussed. However, with an abundance of new technologies emerging, different and improved approaches to that of Cormier may have even greater success in the future. These tools could be utilised to incorporate language-learning beginners, as well as improve upon the accessibility to learners in countries where Skype may not be available. Alternative digital tools such as Google Hangouts, Viber, ooVoo, WeChat and many more means that e-tandem learning and telecollaboration will be an area of language learning that continues to grow and prosper.
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Tandem language learning is in theory a great idea that reaps various linguistic and cultural benefits. Students of different nationalities can learn from each other for free. However, there are various reasons that may not allow this to work (Drummer, 2012).<ref name="
* '''Lack of sufficient amount of foreign students who wish to study a particular minority language''' (such as Polish, Maltese and others). Even if speakers of minority languages want to learn more popular ones such as English or German, they may find difficulty to find others who are interested in theirs. Minority languages are not very attractive in the world market of [[foreign language]]s (Drummer, 2012)<ref name="
* '''Participants´expertise:''' this may involve two factors:
# Insufficient knowledge: Native speakers may lack sufficient knowledge to teach their own language to others. It may also be very challenging and time consuming for students to be methodologically and pedagogically apt to design meaningful learning experiences (Drummer, 2012).<ref name="
# Error correction: According to Py (2000)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Py|first=B|date=2000|title=La construction interactive de la norm comme pratique et come representation|url=|journal=Aile|volume=12|pages=77–97|via=}}</ref> as cited in Cappellini (2016)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cappellini|first=M|date=2016|title=Roles and Scaffolding in Teletandem Interactions: A Study of the Relations between the Sociocultural and the Language Learning Dimensions in a French-Chinese Teletandem|doi=10.1080/17501229.2016.1134859|journal=Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching|volume=10 |issue=1|pages=6–20|via= |ref=harv}}</ref> novice learners speaking in a foreign language during tandem programmes may make mistakes which provoke interruptions from the language experts that aim to correct the error. Such interruptions may hinder the flow of the conversation, disturb the fluency of the novice speaker and produce further foreign language anxieties<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.idyoma.com/blog/2018/7/17/best-way-to-learn-spanish|title=The Best Way to Learn Spanish: A Process That Works for You|work=Idyoma|access-date=2018-07-20|language=en-GB}}</ref>.
* '''Task design''': If the online language interaction lacks proper integration within the learning process and the course curriculum, displays no pedagogical leadership and has carelessly designed tasks, the value of tandem language learning can be downplayed by both students and teachers alike (O´Dowd, 2013).<ref>O'Dowd, R. (2013). Telecollaboration and CALL. In Thomas, M., Reinders, H., & Warshauer, M. (Eds.) ''Contemporary computer-assisted language learning''. London: Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 123-140. Retrieved from <nowiki>http://site.ebrary.com/lib/uon/detail.action?docID=10632566</nowiki></ref>
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* '''Cultural issues:''' Telles (2015)<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=Telles|first=João Antonio|last2=Telles|first2=João Antonio|date=March 2015|title=Teletandem and performativity|url=http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S1984-63982015000100001&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en|journal=Revista Brasileira de Linguística Aplicada|volume=15|issue=1|pages=1–30|doi=10.1590/1984-639820155536|issn=1984-6398}}</ref> implies that during tandem programmes when comparing cultures, students may share their subjective opinions and reinforce intercultural [[stereotype]]s that may create a hostile discourse and interrupt the flow of the conversations. To this end, he suggests that without teacher interventions tele tandem interactions “may fall into shallow performances of sedimented and pre-given representations of self and other” (Telles, 2015, p. 1).<ref name=":1" /> This tallies with O’ Dowd (2013)’s<ref name="O'Dowd2013">{{cite book|title = Telecollaboration and CALL. In Thomas, M., Reinders, H., & Warshauer, M. (Eds.) Contemporary computer-assisted language learning.|last = O'Dowd|first = R.|publisher = London: Bloomsbury Academic.|year = 2013|isbn = |url=http://site.ebrary.com/lib/uon/detail.action?docID=10632566|pages= 123–140}}</ref> views who sustains that preconceptions of the other learner's culture can affect learners’ proactive attitudes and levels of participation in the exchange (O´Dowd, 2015 as cited in O´Dowd, 2013).<ref name="O'Dowd2013" />
==References==
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