Do you want to learn Spanish? There are plenty of resources available to help you get started. However, many of them are in book form or even audio. It’s great to be able to read or listen to native speakers, but it isn’t always the most effective way to improve your speaking skills. You can practice reading and listening whenever you like, but that doesn’t mean you have a lot of opportunities to practice your spoken language. In fact, many learners struggle with finding native or advanced speakers with whom they can practice their speaking skills. Luckily, there are multiple ways you can find native speakers and practice. Here are some apps and platforms where you can find native speakers with whom you can practice your Spanish and who can help you practice your spoken language and learn more efficiently than ever before.
HelloTalk:
HelloTalk is an app accessible on iOS and Android platforms. It allows you to find native Spanish speakers (as well as 100 other languages) across the world. It instantly connects you with native speakers of your target language on your mobile phone. You can chat with other users via text, phone, or voice message for free using this app.
Meetup.com:
Meetup is a website that simplifies the process of getting together with people who share your interests. If you want to find Spanish native speakers and practice with them, all you have to do is search under the language heading and you will find many groups that meet regularly to practice the language. The best way to find one that suits you is to select your city, and then choose the meetups that best meet your needs and interests. Once you have found a group that interests you, all you have to do is sign up for the event and show up at the meeting place at the designated time. I am sure you will make many new friends and have a wonderful time learning Spanish. And if you can’t find any group near you, you will have two options:
1- You can join an online group.
Or:
2- You can create a meetup group and be the host.
Tandem Language Exchange:
With Tandem, you may use tutors, teachers, or a tandem (a conversation partner) to practice speaking through the app once your profile is accepted.
iTalki:
Italki is a language exchange platform that connects language learners with tutors in order to assist them with improving their language skills. On Italki, language learners can find tutors in a wide range of languages, including Spanish as well as native speakers and certified teachers who can craft personalized language lessons. The app’s comprehensive interface allows you to filter through a large number of tutor profiles to find the right tutor for you which will allow you to choose the proper version of Spanish you’re seeking. Once you’ve found the right tutor, all you have to do is schedule a one-on-one lesson and get started!
HiNative:
A wonderful approach to learn new languages by communicating with foreigners is HiNative, a service where native speakers of numerous languages answer queries from other users. Q&A is the main focus here, as chatting between users is not the priority. Although HiNative works really well, it is effective at what it claims to do, and we have included it in our list. Here is the link to the official website so you can start using it!
Idyoma:
It’s simple to see that Idyoma sounds like idioma (Spanish for language) if you speak Spanish. This app was created for native Spanish speakers to learn different languages. It has grown into a popular language exchange app where you can meet language partners! Idyoma works like Tinder for language exchange apps. You can find the right language exchange partner by swiping through profiles on the app. You can find someone who shares the same interests as you by swiping through profiles. You can connect with your partner by chatting after you have matched. The app includes a translation function, so there’s no need to worry about not understanding each other. In addition, you can meet in person if you want.
Inatlantis:
Inatlantis is a language exchange platform that connects language learners with native or advanced speakers. Users may participate in and/or schedule custom group calls based on their areas of interest.
The platform provides a set of suggested topics that users can use for their discussions (Business, movies, psychology, books, science fiction, etc…).
Wrapping up:
The best way to practice Spanish is by speaking it with native or advanced speakers. You can find them online or in person, but in both cases you need to follow some steps:
- Find more than one person willing to speak Spanish with you (A native/advanced speaker or just a language learner like you). Multiple options give you more flexibility (If Person A is not available Person B can be available).
- Go more with calls rather than chat.
- Keep the conversation going, without pausing too much (so the other person doesn’t get bored).
- Right after the conversation, review what you’ve learned, so that it stays in your memory for longer.
- Don’t talk about the same thing over and over. Try to have diversified topics.