What is the Reciprocal Language Partnership?

The Reciprocal Language Partnership mission is to build unity and cross-cultural understanding through the teaching and learning of languages. Reciprocal Language Partnership pairs native Spanish speakers seeking to learn English, one-on-one with native English speakers seeking to learn Spanish. Learning languages is a primary goal. However, equally important is that the structure provides the opportunity for the two dominant cultures in the community to build bridges. Each participant offers the gift of teaching their native language and sharing their culture, while learning a second language and culture. This framework acknowledges and validates the gifts of both cultures. Furthermore, the one-on-one pairing, sustained throughout the class sessions, encourages and promotes the development of friendships.

Who is the Reciprocal Language Partnership for?

-Native English speaking and native Spanish speaking adults who want to teach their native language and also learn a second language.
-Adults who want to develop a friendship with someone from another culture.
-People who can commit to class attendance for a 12 week period.

What Will I Learn?

We currently offer three levels of classes: Beginner A, Beginner B, and Intermediate. The lessons are practical so that students can converse on a variety of topics with native speakers of the language they are learning. All lessons are designed to create cultural understanding while increasing language proficiency. Lessons are theme based and include a grammar and/or vocabulary focus along with specific language functions.

Beginner A is for students who have little to no proficiency of the second language.
A sample of Beginner A:
Lesson 4A has a thematic focus on Family and Hobbies. The vocabulary focus is verbs like work, drink, eat, sleep, talk, read and watch. The language function tied to this lesson is asking and answering yes or no questions and sharing likes and dislikes.

Beginner B is for students who have some basic proficiency in their second language.
A sample of Beginner B:
Lesson B’s theme is Jobs. The grammar focus is future tense of be and the superlatives best and worst. The vocabulary tied to the theme is the adjectives safe, dangerous, difficult, easy, interesting and boring. The language function is describing one’s job and conducting short interviews.

Intermediate is for students who can communicate with speakers of their second language but need to increase their vocabulary and practice aspects of the second language grammar.
A sample of Intermediate:
Lesson 7’s theme is Community/Neighborhoods. The grammar focus is future tense will and going to. The language functions include making predictions, giving opinions, and making plans.

How Will I Learn?

You will be paired one-on-one with a native speaking adult of the language you want to learn. Instructors teach the classes from our approved curriculum, while you and your partner immediately practice the presented material with one another. You will be listening to, speaking, reading, and writing your second language and your partner will do likewise. Most language practice is with your partner, however often there are activities in which you will practice with other students in your class or in whole group activities. You will be immersed in your second language for a full hour. A class session consists of one hour of Spanish immersion and one hour of English immersion. There is no translation in Reciprocal Language Partnership classes. You will learn by listening, watching, using pictures, gestures, considering context, etc.