The Language Exchange Voiceboard System (LEVS)

Currently for learners and native speakers of
English, Spanish, French and German

The purpose of the Language Exchange Voiceboard System (LEVS) is to help language learners from around the world learn each others' languages. This is done by each participant being both teacher (of his or her native language) and student (of his or her foreign language). Using LEVS, you can communicate with native speakers anywhere in the world of the language you are studying and help others learn your native language.

Participants should use the language of the chosen Voiceboard (currently English, Spanish, French or German--see below). Spoken form is encouraged--you will need a microphone for your computer to do this.

If you choose the voiceboard of your native language, you are encouraged to speak clearly to help students of your language better understand. If you choose a voiceboard that uses your foreign language, you may want to use the record and playback buttons to record your message a few times until you are satisfied with how it sounds. If you have difficulty understanding a spoken message, you can play it again, or use the play bar to jump to any part of the message to repeat that section.

Native speakers are encouraged to provide corrections and constructive feedback for foreign-language learners.

Four voiceboards have been set up. They are:

World English

World Spanish

World French

World German

It is hoped that speakers from around the world will participate in the Language Exchange Voiceboard System in order to improve their foreign language skills and to help others learn their native language.

Please contact me if you would like to see additinal voiceboards for other languages.

Gary Cziko email: g-cziko@uiuc.edu