Suggest Topics to Talk About

Finding conversation topics with a new tandem partner can be challenging, especially when you're just starting out with a language. You'll quickly exhaust the basics like talking about where you're from or what you do for work. This is where AI really shines - it can generate creative conversation ideas that match your current proficiency level.

We often provide some basic information about both participants to help AI suggest more relevant topics. You can customize this quite a bit, and it's particularly helpful to ask for key vocabulary in your target language that you can use as conversation starters for each topic. This way, you're not just getting topic ideas, but also building your vocabulary around themes you'll actually discuss.

Come Up with Games and Challenges

This is one of our favourite uses of AI, since it can come up with really fun and creative games to make the tandem session more fun and intriguing. Here are some examples that we're using:

  • Get 5 commonly used words and ask your partner to make a sentence out of them. If some words are new, then try to explain the meaning in the target language.

  • Scavenger hunts for specific phrases or collaborative storytelling. For example, you could generate a story prompt in German, and you both add sentences to it, one at a time.

  • Role-play scenarios with a twist: Have AI generate unusual situations like "You're both astronauts who've just discovered a café on Mars" or "You're time travelers trying to order food in medieval times." Practice conversations while staying in character, which makes vocabulary practice feel more natural and memorable.

  • Translation telephone: Start with a simple sentence in one language, have your partner translate it to their native language, then translate it back. Compare the final result with the original - the funny mistranslations often reveal interesting cultural nuances and grammar patterns you might not notice otherwise.

  • Word association storytelling: AI gives you a random word (like "umbrella" or "Tuesday"), and you take turns building a story where each person can only add one sentence at a time, but every sentence must somehow connect to that original word. This pushes you to use creative vocabulary and helps with spontaneous speaking skills.

Explaining Words and Phrases

AI is great at understanding and speaking a broad array of different languages. Here at Linguar we have integrated this into our messaging application, to make it easy for you to understand and learn new words and phrases. By default, the translation is in English, but you can configure this to, for example, your native tongue.

What makes AI particularly valuable for language exchange is its ability to provide context-rich explanations that go beyond simple translations. When you encounter an unfamiliar word or phrase, AI can break down not just what it means, but how it's used in different situations. For instance, if you're learning Spanish and come across "quedar," AI can explain that it means "to stay" in some contexts, "to meet up" in others, and "to fit/suit" when talking about clothes - something a basic dictionary might not capture as clearly.

AI can also help with cultural nuances and colloquialisms that often confuse language learners. It can explain why certain phrases are formal versus casual, regional variations in usage, or even the cultural context behind expressions. This is especially helpful when your language partner uses slang or idioms that don't translate directly.

Additionally, AI can generate multiple example sentences using the new word or phrase, helping you understand its practical application. This immediate, contextual feedback accelerates the learning process and helps you use new vocabulary more confidently in your conversations.

A new feature here on linguar is that any translation or explanation can be instantly added to your flashcard trainer with just a dropdown selection in the chat. This seamless integration means you can capture new vocabulary in the moment without interrupting your conversation flow, then review it later through spaced repetition.

Personalized Vocabulary Builder

AI can track the words you struggle with during exchanges and create custom flashcards or quizzes. We've integrated a vocabulary trainer into Linguar that uses spaced repetition flashcards, similar to Anki and Mnemosyne. We also support audio files and images, so you can simply highlight a segment in chat and add it directly to a collection right from the conversation.

Simulated Practice Partners

When your tandem partner isn't available, large language models can simulate conversations with native speakers. They can role-play in your target language, adjust to your proficiency level, and provide feedback on your responses.
This is particularly valuable for building confidence before real conversations. AI can simulate specific scenarios you might encounter, like ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or having a job interview. You can practice the same conversation multiple times without feeling embarrassed about making mistakes or asking for repetition.
What makes AI especially useful as a practice partner is its patience and consistency. It won't get frustrated if you need to repeat a phrase several times, and it can provide immediate corrections and explanations. You can also ask it to slow down, speed up, or use more formal/informal language depending on what you want to practice.
AI can also role-play as different types of people - a friendly shopkeeper, a formal business colleague, or a casual friend - helping you understand how language changes based on social context. This variety of practice scenarios helps prepare you for the unpredictability of real-world conversations.

Tips for Your Tandem Exchange

Keep it Simple: As an upper beginner, focus on short sentences and use the keywords provided. Don't worry about perfect grammar—your partner will appreciate the effort you're making.

Ask Questions: Learn about the local culture and customs. Most people value genuine interest, so ask your partner about their experiences to keep the conversation balanced and engaging.