There are more than 150 nationalities registered in Dubai speaking an impressive array of different languages. Despite this English has become the default or common language denominator for communication in Dubai which often denies us the opportunity to learn or practice other languages. Speak Dating is a free language exchange platform and was created as a community initiative to promote communication and inter-cultural exchange between Dubai residents.

The principle is very simple and based on a supply and demand concept: people who are native speakers of a specific language are put in contact with people who want to learn that language and vice versa. Speak Dating is a clever way to practice your language skills, learn about different cultures and serves as a complement to traditional language classes as it focuses on the conversation skills of the participants in foreign languages.

The Concept
In a language exchange two or more people who speak different languages practice each other’s language. For example, a native Arabic speaker who is learning French will do a language exchange with a French speaker who is learning Arabic. There are many ways to practice in a language exchange, but the best one is to ensure that both participants speak the same language for a while and then switch to the other language. This way they become both students and teachers one after the other.

Which Languages?
YOU decide. Your own skills and own curiosity will set up the list of languages available at Speak Dating.
Please post your teaching and learning requests at www.speakdating.ae.

Why Speak Dating?
Learning a foreign language is worthless if you don’t speak it, but you need the right kind of practice and you need to practice a lot. In a language exchange, you practice more than you would in a class, talking with native speakers of the language you’re learning, in a relaxed yet supportive atmosphere where there is willingness to understand and to be understood. A language exchange is also a wonderful way to learn the real spoken language and the foreign culture. Therefore, it is a great way to bridge the gap between the language classroom and the full immersion.

For further information, to check when the next Speak Dating session will take place or to register your language offer and demand
Visit www.speakdating.ae

The next Speak Dating session will take place on Sunday 24th of Feb, 19.00-21.00 at Eton Coffee Corner, register here https://www.facebook.com/events/464370443611851/