Why Language Exchange Works
Speaking with natives beats textbooks. You pick up slang, rhythm, and cultural quirks. Plus, it’s free.
Pro tip: Don’t just chat. Swap corrections. 30 mins Croatian, 30 mins their language. Fair’s fair.
Where to Find Partners
- Tandem: Video, voice, or text. Filters for Croatian speakers. Some flakes, but gold if you persist.
- HelloTalk: Built-in correction tools. Bigger pool, but more casual learners.
- Meetup.com: Search “Croatian language exchange” in Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik. Real-life practice > screens.
What to Talk About
Stuck? Steal these topics:
- Ask about kajkavski vs. čakavski dialects (they’ll rant for hours).
- Compare Croatian movies to Hollywood remakes.
- Debate: Is burek with cheese a crime?
Fakat
/fâkat/“Really”
Casual affirmation. Like “for real.” Use sparingly or sound like a try-hard.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Partner only wants English practice. Run.
- No mic/camera. Probably a catfish.
- Overly formal. You’re learning to chat, not write parliament speeches.
Final note: Consistency > intensity. Two 15-min convos/week beats one marathon session.
