4 Ways to Get More Social Interaction as a Solo Language Learner
Have you ever decided to learn a language, then lost your motivation and quit before you got to enjoy it?
If so, you’re not alone! Staying motivated over time is one of the biggest challenges for language learners. But here’s what’s been proven to help: social connection.
In this post, we’ll explain why social connection matters and share ways to find support and interaction online – even if you’re studying solo!
Social connection boosts language learning
You can practice the four core language learning skills on your own – even speaking, thanks to AI – but practicing with other people helps you develop them more. Here’s how:
Speaking with a tutor, exchange partner, or friend lets you pick up slang, humor, and cultural insights.
Face-to-face communication helps you understand a language beyond the words – through facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Making connections motivates you to speak more, improving your fluency.
Joining a supportive learning community keeps you accountable and engaged.
How to find social connection online
But how do you find social connection as a solo language learner? Here are four ways to get inspiration, interaction, and support online:
1) Use social media for cultural immersion
Follow and engage with native speakers who discuss topics you enjoy (such as spirituality, wellness, food, or fashion) and accounts that highlight the language or culture.
To stay focused on your language learning, consider muting or unfollowing accounts that don’t align with your goals.
2) Find a tutor
Try platforms like italki and Preply, which have thousands of tutors for almost every language and nationality. On iTalki, you can book individual lessons, while Preply offers both individual lessons and a subscription model. Both platforms let you try a lesson with a tutor before committing to more.
3) Find a language exchange partner or study buddy
Connect with a native speaker to improve your conversation skills. You can find a language exchange partner on italki, Tandem, HelloTalk, and even on Facebook.
If you're looking for a study buddy, try body-doubling, where you and a partner virtually co-work in silence with your cameras on. The website Focusmate pairs you with a random person for sessions lasting 25, 50, or 75 minutes. Students all over the world use it to work on their goals without feeling isolated.
4) Join an online language community
Search platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Facebook for language learning communities where you can ask questions, share resources, and find language partners. (Just remember that they can be hit-or-miss in terms of quality and engagement!)
Keep an eye out for exclusive communities, which tend to be more niche and better managed. For example, AI Language Club is an online community for people interested in using AI to transform the way they study languages.
Exclusive communities are usually more than just discussion forums. When you join AI Language Club, you get weekly suggestions in your inbox, a constantly evolving AI language-learning menu, and access to a private Facebook group where you can connect with other adventurous language learners.
Solo isn’t the same as solitary
Learning a language on your own doesn’t have to feel isolating. Through social media, tutoring sessions, language exchanges, coworking, and online communities, you can find the social connection you need to improve your language skills and stay motivated.
You might even make some new friends along the way!
P.S. Feeling lonely or uninspired? Join our community of pioneer AI language learners and reignite your passion for learning languages today!
