Languages Out There online

Learn a bit of structured language and go out immediately into the real world to practice it, where real world really does mean real world and involves the students interacting with the public in libraries, cafes and parks. That’s the idea behind Languages Out There and in March I explored the concept with its founder Jason West. According to Jason, the idea makes sense and the results are impressive. But what about those who aren’t learning in the target language environment? The reply was to interact online instead. In March I concentrated on the face to face version of LOT but in this latest epsiode of the Absolutely Intercultural show I wanted to see how the concept works outside the target language area. I spoke extensively to Richard Wood of Verge in China.

I quickly understood why Richard was so supportive of the concept when I heard how he had learned Chinese. It seems that he instinctively applied the LOT methodology by practicing with his fellow Chinese as much as possible and making comprehensive notes about vocabulary and structures. Whereas the LOT methodology is not dependent on native speakers, it does require that you can contact people who speak the target language better than you and in Heifi where Richard is based this is difficult since there are so few foreigners there. So the online option is a practical option and despite initial shyness and fear of losing face, Richard’s Chinese students are eventually persuaded to try out this way of improving their language. Persistance is the key… from Richard’s side that is.