| The concept of tandem learning involves two speakers of different native languages, interested not only in language learning, but also in cultural exchange. This learning method is widely employed at European universities, but still unknown in the United States. From various theoretical viewpoints, it is assumed that interactional practices during Tandem may promote not only language learning, but also intense cultural exchanges. This study investigates if tandem learning actually provides opportunities for lexical, grammatical, and cultural learning.;To answer the following questions, audio-data collected from 18 tandem learners at the intermediate L2 level is analyzed. Additionally, questionnaires filled out by the participants are taken into account.;Results indicate that the tandem method provides learners with substantial opportunities for lexical learning (ranging from addressing a single word to complex discussions about idioms and proverbs), grammatical learning (pronunciation and morphology were frequently addressed), and cultural and pragmatic exchanges. In addition, tandem participants confirmed through questionnaires their high levels of satisfaction with the tandem method. Such favorable feedback and the positive results obtained in this study suggest that the tandem method is a valuable tool for SLA. |
