Tandem Review: Is It The Best Language Exchange App?

One of the great things about Language Parties is that there’s no pressure to speak. When you join, you automatically start as a ‘Listener.’ Once you feel comfortable enough to contribute, you can raise your hand to become a ‘speaker.’ 

Language Parties not only provide a relaxed and friendly environment for language practice, but they also offer the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives from people all over the world. It’s a great way to make new friends and expand your network of language companions.

Quality of the Learning Material

Tandem is not a conventional language-learning app, so you shouldn’t treat it as such. It’s not meant for beginners because it’s designed to help you improve on an existing foundation.

The Tandem app provides an opportunity to talk with natives, who can provide real-life context and cultural insights unobtainable from textbooks or any other conventional learning style. 

However, there are some potential shortcomings of the platform. For example, some people use the app as a dating platform rather than a language tool. While Tandem has implemented features such as community guidelines and reporting tools to address these issues, users should be aware of these potential challenges.

Despite these challenges, Tandem is still an effective and engaging way to improve your language skills. Through its various features, such as language parties, video and audio calls, and messaging, Tandem allows you to practice conversational skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Grammar Instruction

Tandem doesn’t provide grammar instructions. However, users can help each other with grammar through features such as the “Correct” button, which allows a native to suggest corrections to their partner’s written and spoken language. 

While this feature can help improve grammar, it may not be reliable as a native speaker might not necessarily be a grammar expert. Therefore, seek out partners who are knowledgeable in the foreign language and can provide more structured grammar instruction and feedback.

For users looking to learn grammar more in-depth, we recommend supplementing Tandem with additional language resources such as language tutors or other language apps. We found Rocket languages to be a great fit with Tandem.

Verbal Practice

Tandem excels in providing its users with ample opportunities to practice their conversation skills. It offers various features for practicing languages, such as audio and video calls, voice notes, and the Language Party feature.

Additionally, Tandem’s focus on real-time conversations with natives makes it an excellent tool for those who want to improve their speaking skills quickly. Users can receive almost immediate feedback on their pronunciation and speaking skills, helping them to make progress.

However, it’s worth noting that the quality of verbal practice largely depends on the user’s language partner, and there may be instances where the conversation does not meet expectations.

Reading

While Tandem does not have a dedicated feature for reading practice, users can still improve their reading skills through the language exchange platform. Engaging in conversations with native speakers allows users to read messages, articles, and other written content in a foreign language.

However, Tandem focuses on real-time conversations, not on reading comprehension. As such, users looking for a more structured reading practice may need to supplement Tandem with additional resources.

Writing

Tandem’s writing-focused features are also limited, but users can still use the platform to improve their writing skills.

For example, sending text messages to your language companions allows you to practice your writing skills more organically. Moreover, you can also share written content with your language exchange partner, such as essays or short stories, to receive feedback and improve their writing skills. 

Therefore, while Tandem’s writing features may not be as comprehensive as those found in other language-learning apps, they still provide users with useful tools to practice their writing skills.

Vocabulary

Tandem can help build vocabulary in several ways. First, engaging in a conversation with a native speaker exposes you to a more authentic use of language. It can expand your vocabulary beyond what you might have learned from textbooks. 

Secondly, you can ask your language partner for explanations and clarification on new words you encounter during the conversation. It leads to a deeper understanding and better retention of the new language. To learn new words faster you can try other apps like Drops or Clozemaster who focuses on rapid vocabulary expansion.

Thirdly, your language partner can suggest fun reading materials, movies, TV shows, or podcasts in their language. These resources can introduce new language and reinforce existing vocabulary more enjoyably and engagingly. 

Finally, Tandem’s built-in translation feature can help you quickly understand any new words you encounter during conversations.

Tandem Review: Simplicity of Operation

Tandem’s user interface is elegant and easy to navigate. The home screen displays a list of potential partners, recent chats, and other features to make it easy for users to jump right into conversations.

The use of color and visuals is effective in creating a visually appealing and engaging experience. The app also provides clear and concise labels for each feature, making it easy to understand how to use them. The first-time user experience is seamless, with a helpful tutorial and prompts guiding through the app’s features.

Loading times are generally quick, and the app rarely crashes or experiences technical difficulties. Overall, Tandem’s interface is well-designed and user-friendly, making language exchanges effortless.

What Areas Could Be Improved?

While Tandem’s interface is generally user-friendly, some users can become too friendly and cross boundaries. That’s why Tandem is often compared to a dating app. Users may find matching difficult due to being approached by people uninterested in language exchange but rather in romantic relationships.

Fortunately, Tandem has been proactively countering this problem using an extensive profile verification process, creating community guidelines, and giving users the ability to report or block inappropriate behavior.

The Tandem free version has some limitations compared to the Pro version. For example, free users have a limited number of translations per day. In contrast, Tandem Pro users can have unlimited translations and additional features, such as the ability to search for specific users and to see who has viewed their profile. 

While the free version of Tandem is still a useful tool for language learners, the added benefits and features of Tandem Pro may make it worth the investment for those who are serious about language learning.