WeSpeke is a new language-based social networking service that connects speakers of different languages and provides a forum through which they can teach each other their respective languages.

How it works

When a user creates an account, WeSpeke asks them which language(s) they can teach and which language(s) they hope learn in order to provide them with an appropriate list of potential partners. Once a user creates an account and has a recommended list of practice partners, she or he can purchase lessons to practice a language before speaking it with a partner. These lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, and culture points.

One major benefit of WeSpeke is the nuanced way in which it matches users with compatible profiles. In addition to asking users which languages they want to learn and teach, WeSpeke also asks users what their particular language goals are (ie. Career, study abroad, general education, etc.) and what conversation topics they would like to cover with partners. This detailed information ensures that users are matched with those who not only speak the language they want to learn, but who also have similar reasons for wanting to learn a language and who want to discuss similar topics. Although it is difficult to ascertain all users’ true motives for using WeSpeke, the service is a promising language learning aid for those who use it for its fundamental purpose because it fosters both language acquisition and cultural exchange.

Videos

For more information on WeSpeke watch the following videos: