Since I’ve gotten back from China, I have been drowning in tons of English and starting to worry about losing precious language skills earned through lots of time and huge amounts of effort. So what do I do to keep that language training up? You might recall that here at SfSS we had a previous post about livemocha a website which can connect you with other foreign language learners from all over the place. Last week a friend of mine I roomed with in China suggested another such website that encourages a social network to form around language learning called italki. What’s sweet about this space is its extremely active, not to mention enthusiastic, language community. Of course that sounds nice, but what does an active community entail? By my first few minutes of logging on and setting what languages I would like to learn (Mandarin) and what language I am able to speak, I had four individuals add me, ready to chat on the site itself or even use skype to talk (as opposed to typing). Now everyday I have at least one or two people that I can communicate with in the language I am studying.

Let’s get down to brass tacks what are some features? First and foremost you have access to a great social network geared specifically to language learners, included with this are more professional language instructors who can tutor you in the language of your choice (regardless of level) for a certain fee. The website offers language resources as well as more formalized online courses. There is public forums where you can ask/answer language questions and accrue some “respect” on the site. I haven’t dug into the language courses, being short on cash does that too you! But the ability to find people willing to do language exchanges is crucial to good solid training. I could see using the opportunity to chat with native speakers as a great supplement to language courses you might be taking!

Finally, I love to point out features that I really dig. In the case of italki that happens to be the notebook. While not everyone on the site makes good use of it, the notebook feature allows you to write entries in your target language, furthermore other users can correct and comment. It’s rare, and often inconvenient, to find people who are willing to correct your writing. Although the spoken component of a second language is more important by a long shot, the opportunity to practice and have your written work critiqued by native speakers is not only rare but an awesome learning experience.

Alright so sign yourself up and play around with it. Get practicing!