The Advantage of Talking to Other Non-Native Speakers

I’ve hosted Practice English Skypecast (group conversations via Skype) many times in the past a few months. Most of the time, the participants were non-native speakers talking to one another. Occasionally, a few native speakers—mainly from the U.S. and U.K.—came along.

Here is the question: if you want to practice your spoken English, are you better off to talk to an American or Brit, or talk to your fellow non-native speakers, who usually have all sorts of funny accents?

Sounds like a no-brainer question, right? During a conversation, understanding what other said in standard English would keep your two ears busy enough, who has the third ear to deal with accent?

Well, here is a surprising finding based on my hosting experience of Skypecast: more than likely, you will benefit the most by talking to your fellow non-native speakers because of one major gain: self-confidence.

When you talk to someone whose fluency level is slightly above or bellow yours, you has an instant sympathetic audience. You are going through the same struggle, and you are equally eager to learn. Thus, you are less concern about fear of making mistakes, but much more willing to speak out.

When your mind is relaxed, your tongue and ears work surprisingly better. You will be amazed by how much you understand each other without a third ear. That’s how you get instant gratification. That’s how you build up your confidence. And that’s what makes the difference.

Talking to a native speaker would bring the similar benefit only after your fluency level is fairly advanced. Before reaching that point, you could be listening to a fasting talking American bashing his president for 30 minutes non-stop without a chance—or courage—to utter a single word to him.

Why not listen to BBC News then?