International Tandem Network
Language learning in tandem by computer mediated communication via the Internet
The International E-Mail Tandem Network has been funded since 1994 by the Commission of the European Union (LINGUA Project 94 – 03 / 1507 / D – VB and 95-03 / 1924 / D-VB Ext. 2 and SOKRATES/ODL Project 25192-CP-1-96-1-DE-ODL). 
Co-ordinator: Helmut Brammerts, Seminar für Sprachlehrforschung, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 
D-44780 Bochum, Germany – E-mail: Helmut.Brammerts@ruhr-uni-bochum.de – Fax: +49-234-7094 578
Language learning in tandem
Language learning in tandem takes place when two learners with different native languages work together in order to
•	learn the other person's language
•	find out more about this person and their culture
•	also exchange knowledge and experiences, for example about ones work experiences, studies or hobbies.
Principles
Tandem learning is joint and autonomous intercultural learning. Therefore two important principles apply:
•	Both partners must profit to an equal extent from their work together, at least subjectively (Principle of Reciprocity). The same amount of time should be spent on each language, and both partners should be equally dedicated to the joint learning process.
•	Each partner knows their own language and takes active part in their own culture. Because of this, they are available to their partner as an expert for their language and cultural areas, although they are usually not trained in a teaching capacity. Therefore, each partner is responsible for their own learning process, and they determine their own learning goals and methods (Principle of Learner Autonomy).
The more highly developed a person's ability to learn autonomously and to co-operate, the more effective tandem learning will be. Both qualifications continue to be developed through language learning in tandem.
Types of organisation
Language learning in tandem can, for example, be organised
•	between learners in the same place, who meet (approximately 2 hours a week) to work in tandem.
•	in the form of intensive tandem courses lasting several weeks, which are usually travelled to in groups and where the participants work in tandem pairs all day long.
•	between learners who live in different places but who have access to modern communication media (e.g. the Internet).
The International E-Mail Tandem Network
Institutions from various countries work together in the International E-Mail Tandem Network to facilitate language learning in tandem via the Internet.
The network consists of a consistently growing number of bilingual subnets, in which learners with different native languages work together in order to help each other learn. Each subnet includes:
•	access to the Tandem Agency, which finds a tandem partner for each participant.
•	at least one bilingual discussion forum, where the participants can contact each other and ask questions in both languages.
Two or more co-ordinators are responsible for each subnet. They help the participants, moderate discussion in the fora, provide aid for learners and instructors etc.
Subnets and languages
The following 26 subnets presently exist (those with English are listed first):
RIBO-L (deutsch-English), ENG-ESP (English-español), ENG-FRA (English-français), ENG-ITA (English-italiano), ENG-NED (English-Nederlands), ENG-POL (English-polski), ENG-POR (English-português), ENG-SVE (English-svenska).
CAT-DEU (català-deutsch), DAN-DEU (dansk-deutsch), DAN-NED (dansk-Nederlands), DEU-ESP (deutsch-español), DEU-FRA (deutsch-français), DEU-HAN (deutsch-hangul (Korean)), DEU-HRV (deutsch-hrvatski (Croatian)), DEU-ITA (deutsch-italiano), DEU-NED (deutsch-Nederlands), DEU-NIH (deutsch-nihongo (Japanese)), DEU-POL (deutsch-polski), DEU-POR (deutsch-português), DEU-RUS (deutsch-russkij), DEU-SVE (deutsch-svenska), ESP-FRA (español-français), ESP-ITA (español-italiano), FRA-NIH (français-nihongo), NED-POR (Nederlands-português).
How to participate
If you have been learning a foreign language for at least several months and you wish to work with a partner in tandem, then write to the Tandem Agency:
tandem@slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de
You message could read: "My name is... I am a professional / a college student / a high school student. My native language is English. I'm learning Swedish." 
Please take in to account that June through August are examination and/or summer holiday months for schools and universities in most countries. During this time it is very difficult to find tandem partners.
Additional information
In various countries tandem servers have been established in the Internet (World Wide Web – WWW), which offer information and help regarding tandem language learning for learners and instructors. The tandem servers in Germany are:
http://www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de and http://tandem.uni-trier.de
Guide in book form: Little, David & Brammerts, Helmut (eds.). 1996. A guide to language learning in tandem via the Internet (CLCS Occasional Paper No.46). Dublin: Trinity College, Centre for Language and Communication Studies. ISSN 0332 3889. For information about the Guide in 8 other languages, see:
http://www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/email/brochure.html