Learning tools (1/2)

« Keep learning, keep listening, keep writing and keep talking, that’s your only chance ! » answered one of my teachers when I asked him how I could improve my skills in English. Even though this advice is not really new, it is the basic advice which should guide anyone who wants to be better at learning any language.
At the university, this was easy to do : I tried to watch a lot of British or American movies, serials etc. in original version (undubbed), I had essays given by my teacher and it was possible to have one or two speaking-sessions per week alone with your teacher or another assistant. So I could say it was pretty neat.
But now I work in France, in an engineering company which doesn’t really care about getting customers outside the borders… I can still watch movies but no more essays nor speaking-sessions and my English slowly becomes rustier. Thus in order to keep it fresh, I was looking for other means to work on my skills. After some research on the internet, I stumble upon the HelloTalk app.
It’s similar to the concept of Italki which means it allows people from everywhere in the world to lean a language with a native speaker. But it’s actually the only one app existing on both android and apple platforms.
After launching the app, it invites you to register and create a profile. This profile is very basic and allows anyone to see your picture, know the languages you know and want to learn, your country of residence and a very useful clock so you won’t get the very annoying question « what time is it in your country ? ». At first, I was a bit annoyed by the lack of information you can put on your profile but it fits the needs : you’re here to talk not to look through profiles in search for the perfect match !
Once you’re done, the app invites you to search through the users and talk to them immediately. It seems a bit harsh and you might be troubled about how to begin a conversation but in my experience as far as I know, everyone I met was very kind and willing to meet new friends. It’s when you’re engaged in a conversation HelloTalk began to show its qualities.
(my note is too long! more to read in the next article!)

Good job so far! Not so dusty after all.