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Language Learning Center

Category: Uncategorized

Our Story

The University of Washington began to develop the idea of a Language Laboratory in the 1950s with the goal of providing supplementary language instruction to students through the utilization of various audio-visual devices. This instruction was designed for students to enhance their listening and dictation skills through independent practice. By the 1960s, the project was taking off, though the lab faced a shortage of funds and staff. George C. Buck, an assistant professor in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature, and Victor E. Hanzeli, an assistant professor in the Department of Romance Languages and Literature, foresaw the increasing enrollment of students in language departments. With their help, the Language Lab was solidified as an integral space for language learning at the UW. The Language Lab gave students access to recordings of both local and commercial lessons and created a “tape library” where students could check out these instructional materials. Additionally, students could use the lab’s equipment to record their responses to test questions.

The Language Laboratory was eventually redubbed as the Language Learning Center (LLC) and has continued to adapt to the changing times, now utilizing new technologies and language development tools. In addition to language testing, the LLC also digitizes files and maintains an online streaming database which can be used by instructors for their language classes. In 2015, Denny Hall underwent a renovation which made room for the LLC’s new facilities. There are now rooms equipped with language learning software and video conferencing technology which can be used for classes, language programs, or other events. Furthermore, the LLC now assists in various on campus and community language projects: we help record for the Turkey in Seattle Oral History Project, organize various STARTALK programs for the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), and contribute to the Mapping and Enhancing Language Learning (MELL) project which tracks language programs in Washington schools.

The LLC seeks to assist in language learning and research here at the University of Washington and in the surrounding communities. Our mission has been and will continue to be to provide students and instructors the tools and help needed for bolstering the beauty of world languages and cultures.

Language Exchange Partner and Tutoring Board

Please take a moment to complete the appropriate form for language exchange partner or tutoring services. These forms are accessible to all who are interested in language exchanges or tutoring. Once you submit your details, we will promptly update and display them on our interactive board. This is done manually by a LLC staff member to properly vet and organize the information, so we kindly ask for your patience.

This platform serves as a dynamic hub where you can easily find a language partner or tutor tailored to your specific linguistic needs and preferences. It is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within our diverse language-learning community.

Sign Up

 Language Exchange Partner Form 

Language Paid Tutor Form

To promote the safety of our community:

  • Access to view posts on the Language Exchange Partner board and initiate contact is restricted to individuals with a UW NETID.
  • Access to the Language Paid Tutor board is accessible to everyone.

View

 Language Exchange Partner Board 

Language Paid Tutor Board

FAQ

Our language learning platform welcomes everyone to participate, yet it incorporates specific access privileges for safety and exclusivity:

1. UW NETID Holders: Individuals associated with the University of Washington, including students, faculty, and staff, are granted full access. With a UW NETID, they have the unique ability to browse through posts on the board and initiate contact. This exclusive feature is designed to foster a secure environment for finding language exchange partners, enhancing opportunities for mutual language practice and learning.

2. General Public: While anyone is welcome to fill out the form, browsing capabilities and the initiation of contact are reserved for UW NETID holders. This means that although the general public can express their interest in tutoring or language exchanges by completing the form, they rely on UW NETID holders to reach out to them.

This structure ensures a safe and controlled platform, primarily serving the University of Washington community, while still engaging the wider public in language learning and teaching opportunities. It upholds a balance between inclusivity for all interested parties and maintaining a secure space for language and cultural exchange.

Based on the introduction, to find either a conversation partner for language exchange or a paid tutor/student, you would follow these steps:

1. Fill Out the Appropriate Form: Depending on your need, fill out either the language exchange form or the tutor form. The language exchange form is for those looking to find a partner for mutual language practice and is exclusive to individuals with a UW NETID. In contrast, the tutor form is open to everyone, catering to those who are either seeking paid language tutoring services or wish to offer their tutoring skills.

2. Submit Your Details: After completing the relevant form, submit your details. This step is crucial for you to be part of the respective service – language exchange or tutoring.

3. Access the Interactive Board: Your information will then be updated and displayed on an interactive board. This board serves as a central hub where individuals can find and connect with others based on their specific needs – whether it is finding a language exchange partner or connecting with a tutor or student for paid sessions.

4. Search and Connect: Utilize the interactive board to search for a language partner, tutor, or student. The board is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to easily navigate through the options and find a match that aligns with your linguistic goals, whether for casual language exchange or more structured, paid tutoring.

5. Engage and Learn: Once you have found a suitable match, you can initiate contact and start your language learning journey. This platform provides a great opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within a diverse language-learning community, whether through casual conversation practice or more formal tutoring sessions.

This process offers a structured yet flexible approach to finding the right language learning resources, tailored to your individual needs, whether you are seeking casual language exchange or professional tutoring.

Your information will be posted in the “offering” section of the board only under the languages you are ADVANCED or higher in. Languages at a lower level can be included in your personal description

You can refer to the ACTFL scale for help determining proficiency.

ACTFL pyramid proficiency scale with level descriptionsACTFL pyramid proficiency scale
To edit your post on the Language Exchange Board or Paid Tutor Board, please resubmit either form. Once we recieve the new form, your post will be updated.

To edit your post on the Language Exchange Board or Paid Tutor Board, please resubmit either form. Once we recieve the new form, your post will be updated.

Your information will be automatically removed from the board after one year.

To have your information removed at any time before this, please contact an LLC Staff Assistant.

Please contact Safe Campus or the UW Police (911) if you have any urgent or serious concerns. Please follow all online safety measures and be cautious when sharing information. If you plan to meet in person with your language partner, please follow general safety precautions as well (e.g., meeting in a public place). The UW LLC is unable to supervise exchanges or vet posts beyond basic moderation. If you have concerns with a post or poster that you believe deserves additional moderation, please contact llc@uw.edu. However, again, if you have any serious or urgent concerns, contact Safe Campus or the UW Police (911).