Parlangi: connecting generations for language learning
Meaningful social contact is the number one defining factor for a healthy life and facilitates (language) learning. Parlangi (re)activates seniors by putting trust in their knowledge, life wisdom and skills. Juniors learn more effectively by using Parlangi. This way people of different generations, cultures and nationalities can mean a lot to each other. Connecting people of different ages who would otherwise never meet each other is great. In addition, being able to learn from each other (not just the language) is awesome.
How it works
To really learn a language you must speak it. Users can make an appointment at a time and with a person of their choice using Parlangi. At the agreed time they video chat with each other in the mentor’s native language. Through fun conversations with the mentors (who can fully use their knowledge and experience) youngsters learn to speak and understand the language more effectively.
Based on their profile information users are able to connect to:
- people who speak the language you want to learn;
- people who want to learn your native language;
- people who have the same question or offer as you.
The app is very easy to use. After login users can choose between three basic options:
- Chat now: choose someone you want to talk to out of the list of people you get.
- Schedule a conversation: the person of your choice is not available at the moment? Schedule a conversation via the planner.
- Preferences: edit your profile. You will be able to connect to others that match your profile based on the information you provide.
Look at how Parlangi works:
The five Parlangi rules
Parlangi is based on the theory of the American Professor and linguist Stephen Krashen, who has done globally recognised research on second language acquisition. We translated his five hypothesis into the 'Parlangi rules. Following them is the best way to learn a language.
- ENJOY! People learn faster when they feel relaxed and are comfortable. Be kind. Give compliments. Be polite. And enjoy listening and talking to each other.
- USE COMPREHENSIBLE LANGUAGE. Try to understand each other. Use sign language, drawings, text… Be expressive.
- MAKE MISTAKES. Making mistakes is normal in a language learning process. Try. Fail. Try again… Until you get it right.
- BE PATIENT. Learning a language takes time. Take it step by step. Listening and reading a lot are the first steps. When you know a few words start using them.
- LEARN BY DOING. Learning is fun. Learn like a child learns its first language. Don’t emphasise on the rules. Communicate a lot: listen, read, talk and write. Practice is key.
The United Nations SDGs
The sustainable development goals of the United Nations are our guideline and we are proud to focus on six of them:
- Quality education: We learn by doing and by connecting learners to people with a lot of experience, life wisdom, knowledge and skills.
- Gender equality: All people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, age or background are equal.
- Reduced inequalities: By connecting people from different backgrounds, ages, cultures and nationalities we aim for an equal society.
- Sustainable cities and communities: We have deliberately chosen for the legal structure of a cooperative venture because of its sustainable nature.
- Peace, justice and strong institutions: The best way to prevent prejudices and injustice is to connect people. Once people get to know ‘the other’ they are not afraid anymore of the unknown.
- Partnerships for the goals: We build partnerships to achieve our goals in a sustainable way
Want to know more about Parlangi?
