Is 言語交換(げんごこうかん） The correct phrase for "Language Exchange" in Japanese?
If I were asking someone if they wanted to do a language exchange, I feel like I'm at a loss for the correct phrase in Japanese and I have to rely on the other person knowing enough English. Would asking　日本語と英語を言語交換ませんか？　sound natural and appropriate? 　I'm as always, suspicious of my particle usage.

Question

Is 言語交換(げんごこうかん） The correct phrase for "Language Exchange" in Japanese?
If I were asking someone if they wanted to do a language exchange, I feel like I'm at a loss for the correct phrase in Japanese and I have to rely on the other person knowing enough English.  Would asking　日本語と英語を言語交換ませんか？　sound natural and appropriate? 　I'm as always, suspicious of my particle usage.

Answer

Hi Ben!

It is not so strange that you cannot find the exact term for 'language exchange' in Japanese. We use English words:語学エクスチェンジ or ランゲージエクスチェンジ. If you want to ask someone if he/she is interested in language exchange, you can then ask:

「英語と日本語の語学エクスチェンジしませんか/やりませんか？」

The verb for language exchange in Japanese is 「する」「やる」generally speaking.

日本語の勉強がんばって！

Answers · 2

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