Beyond Language Exchange to True Friendship: Gifts from Penpal
Beyond simply learning languages, how to share deep friendships with friends from around the world. Introducing the process from language exchange partner to lifelong friend.
Beyond Language Exchange to True Friendship: Gifts from Penpal
Language is Just a Tool, People are the Purpose
Many people start penpalling to learn foreign languages. To improve English, practice Korean, or learn a third language. Of course, penpalling is an excellent language learning method. You can encounter vivid expressions and culture that you can't learn from textbooks.
However, if you aim only for language skill improvement, penpalling can quickly become boring. Because you need a friend to have conversations with, not a teacher who corrects grammar.
Language Exchange Partner vs Penpal Friend
| Language Exchange Partner | Penpal Friend |
|---|---|
| Language learning is the main purpose | Communication and connection are the main purpose |
| Focus on correcting wrong expressions | Focus on content and emotions |
| Relationship maintained according to learning progress | Relationship deepens by sharing each other's lives |
| Functional relationship | Emotional relationship |
3 Steps Toward True Friendship
Many users met on Lettie are creating precious connections beyond language exchange. How did they become 'friends' from 'partners'?
1. Convey Sincerity Over Perfection
Don't worry about grammar mistakes. It's okay to use translators. What's important is your effort to convey your thoughts and heart.
"Sorry my English is poor." "Not at all! I had no problem understanding your letter. Your Korean letter written with effort was really touching."
Sincerity contained in clumsy language resonates more with the other person.
2. Share Stories Beyond Language
Questions like "How's the weather today?" or "What did you have for lunch?" are good, but try sharing deeper stories.
- Values: What is the most important value to you?
- Dreams: What was your childhood dream? What dream are you dreaming now?
- Concerns: What is troubling you these days?
Language is just a means to share each other's thoughts. Through that means, share each other's worlds.
3. Respect and Learn Each Other's Culture
Language contains the culture of that country. Try to understand not just memorizing words, but the context and culture in which those words are used.
- Talking about Korean 'jeong(情)' culture
- Sending congratulatory messages on holidays or anniversaries of the other country
- Recommending each other's food or music
Understanding culture allows you to understand the other person more deeply, and conversation topics become much richer.
Lettie Helps Language Exchange and Friendship
Lettie helps you build true friendship beyond language barriers.
- Translation Function: You can comfortably write letters in your native language without fear of language.
- Slow Communication: You can write letters by thinking enough and looking up dictionaries without pressure for immediate answers.
- Interest Matching: We recommend friends with common interests beyond language learning.
Now, Open the Door to the World
Language skills are a bonus. The real gift is precious friends made in countries around the world.
Start penpalling on Lettie now. Imagine how much a letter written in an unfamiliar language will broaden your world.
Meet friends who share hearts beyond language barriers with Lettie.