The ultimate guide for Parlangi juniors: Speak with confidence
Ready for your first conversation? It is completely normal to feel a little nervous! Remember: Parlangi is a safe space. You are not being graded and you don’t need to be perfect. Use these practical tips to prepare yourself and get the most out of your sessions.
Build your foundation before you connect
You don’t need to be fluent to start Parlangi, but knowing a few basic words boosts your confidence. Here are some free tools to prepare:
1. Basic vocabulary
Duolingo: Perfect for absolute beginners to learn basic numbers and greetings in just 10 minutes a day.
Memrise: Uses short video clips of locals to show how the language actually sounds.
2. Translation safety nets
Keep these open in a separate tab during sessions:
DeepL: Highly accurate for translating full sentences when you get stuck.
Reverso Context: Shows how native speakers use specific words in everyday situations.
3. Listening skills
Your video channels: Search for “Slow Dutch” to hear native speakers tell simple stories at a very slow pace.
The Golden Rule
Apps are great for preparation, but they can never replace human connection, read emotions, or teach you culture.
Don't get stuck practicing alone! Use these tools to build basic confidence, then jump into a real conversation on Parlangi.
During the session: Overcoming the fear
Embrace your mistakes: Making mistakes is the only way to learn a language. Do not apologize for your accent or your grammar. Your mentor is there to help you, not to judge you.
Use the chat function: If you hear a word you really don’t understand, don’t just nod. Ask your mentor to type the word into the chat window (you can find this at the bottom of your video screen). Seeing the word often helps!
Use your hands: Can’t find the right word? Use gestures, point at things in your room, or use a translation app to find the specific word you need. Communication is about getting the message across, not about perfect grammar.
Take notes: Try to write down 3 to 5 new words during every session. Review them before your next conversation!
Mutual Respect
Be on time: Your mentor dedicates free time to help you. Always show up on time for your scheduled sessions. If you cannot make it, let your mentor know as soon as possible.
Keep it light: Focus the conversation on hobbies, daily life, culture, and interests. Avoid very heavy or controversial topics, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun for both of you.
Are you learning a language?
Parlangi is based on the theory of the American Professor and linguist Stephen Krashen, who has done globally recognised research on second language acquisition. We translated his five hypotheses into the “Parlangi rules”. Following them is the best way to learn a language.
Parlangi mentors are trained to support you in your language jouney, based on these five principles.
Follow the five Parlangi rules...
1
Enjoy
People learn faster when they feel relaxed and are comfortable. Be kind. Give compliments. Be polite. And enjoy listening and talking to each other.
2
Use comprehensible language
Try to understand each other. Use sign language, drawings, text… Be expressive.
3
Dare to make mistakes
Making mistakes is normal in a language learning process. Try. Fail. Try again… Until you get it right.
4
Be patient
Learning a language takes time. Take it step by step. Listening and reading a lot are the first steps. When you know a few words start using them.
5
Learn by doing
Learning is fun. Learn like a child learns its first language. Don’t focus on the rules. Communicate a lot: listen, read, talk and write. Practice is key.