How we get along
Linguas Tecidas is a place where getting things wrong is part of the process. We come to practice, to trip over our words, and to help each other out. Nobody here speaks perfectly, and that's the nice part.
Everyone comes with a language they want to practice, and it won't always be yours. But that is exactly what an exchange is: you help with what you know, and others help you with what they know. Part of being here is being open to what other people need, even if it means stepping out of your linguistic comfort zone for a while. Curiosity about any language, even one you didn't come to practice, is what makes this work.
If someone corrects you, it's because they want to help. If you correct someone, do it kindly. Listen as much as you speak, and leave room for quieter voices.
We want everyone to feel welcome, whatever their background, language, gender or orientation. What brings us together is curiosity about languages and wanting to meet people.
Humor is welcome, as long as it isn't at someone else's expense. A good atmosphere is something we all build together.
If something makes you uncomfortable, tell us. We want this to work for everyone.
Rules
The above is how we want things to be. This is what we don't accept, at sessions or in the WhatsApp group.
- Nobody laughs at the way someone else speaks: their accent, their mistakes, their level or the language they choose. No language, and no way of speaking it, is worth less than another.
- Treat everyone with respect. Insults, harassment, unwanted advances and comments that put someone down for who they are, where they come from or what they believe have no place here, in the group, at sessions or in private messages.
- Respect people's limits. If someone doesn't want to carry on a conversation, drop it.
- In the group, post things that have to do with the exchange. No spam, and no advertising without asking first.
If someone doesn't respect these rules, we'll remove them from the WhatsApp group and they won't be welcome at sessions. If it's serious, there won't be a warning first.
If any of this happens to you, message us or tell one of the organizers. We'll handle it discreetly.