Guidelines

Building a supportive space where everyone can practice languages and connect across cultures.

The Swaptalk Pledge

Welcome to Swaptalk! Our community works best when everyone commits to creating a respectful and supportive language learning environment. By using Swaptalk, you agree to:

Show up on time and stay for the entire session. Your language partner is counting on you. Respecting their time is the foundation of a good exchange.
Keep your camera on and stay visible. Seeing facial expressions and mouth movements is essential for language learning. Make sure you're visible in the frame throughout the session.
Be patient and encouraging. Learning a language is hard! Celebrate progress, gently correct mistakes, and create a supportive space for your partner to practice.
Split the time fairly. Honor the language exchange format by giving equal time to both languages. If it's a 30-minute session, spend 15 minutes on each language.
Have fun! Keep the conversation engaging and enjoyable. Share stories, ask questions, and connect beyond just language practice. The more you put in, the more you'll get out of it.

Making the Most of Your Session

At the start

Greet your partner warmly (great chance to practice!)
Confirm which language you'll start with
Discuss what you'd like to focus on

During the session

Speak clearly at an appropriate pace for your partner's level
Correct mistakes kindly—explain why something is wrong when helpful
Ask questions and stay engaged
Let your partner know if you need them to slow down or repeat something

At the end

Share feedback on what went well
Thank your partner for their time

Forbidden Behaviors

Breaking these rules will result in a ban from Swaptalk:

No nudity, sexual acts, or sexually suggestive content
No romantic or sexual advances of any kind
No harassment, bullying, or intimidation
No hate speech or discrimination
No recording or screenshotting sessions without consent from your partner
No selling, recruiting, or promotion (teachers may mention they teach in a non-transactional way, like "I teach Spanish if you're interested in lessons")
No sharing personal contact information unless both parties consent
No inappropriate language or behavior
Don't target groups of people
Don't impersonate others
No misusing community features

Cultural Exchange Guidelines

Language learning often involves cultural exchange. When discussing culture:

Be curious and open-minded
Avoid stereotypes and generalizations
Remember that your partner doesn't represent their entire culture
Be sensitive to cultural, political, and religious differences

If Something Goes Wrong

Trust your instincts

If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable during a session, prioritize your well-being. You can leave the session at any time.

Report bad behavior

Please report any violations by emailing us at hello@swaptalk.io with details about what happened. Reporting helps us take action and protect other community members. We'll make sure you're never matched with that partner again.

Our Commitment

We are committed to maintaining a community where everyone can learn, feel safe, and achieve their language goals. We will:

Respond promptly to reports of violations
Take appropriate action against bad actors
Continuously improve our community guidelines
Listen to feedback from our members