Skype is great for practicing you speaking and listening but e-mail is a great tool for spending some real time working on your writing skills. It lets you get out the books and dictionaries and try to master the written part of a language. Of course you can use it for quick messages however among the tools on offer we recommend you use instant messaging for developing speed and for fun.

If you are not such an advanced learner it will probably take a long time to write a good e-mail so send it to more than one language exchange partner. That way you will get more reading practice from all the responses.

Because it takes so much effort to write in another language and the point of Huitalk is exchange, write the next e-mail to your language exchange partner in your own language. This way you will both get practice.

When you respond to an e-mail, comment briefly on the other member’s mail to you. Help them with their most obvious mistakes, no need to point them all out. This way both of you can improve your writing skills gradually.

Experiment with your language skills. Try using different grammar techniques and take time to look up words you don’t know. E-mail gives you the time that instant messaging and on-line chatting doesn’t so make sure you take advantage of that.

Why not start now? search for a language exchange partner here and send them a message.

General Advice