Protocols

Every language course I’ve ever taken began with how to have a simple conversation, but I don’t think I’ve ever been taught what to do when those conversations break down. And they do break down. All the time. Especially for beginners.

This post recaps a conversation I had with ChatGPT about what I think is a crucial - yet often missing - first lesson in language learning: How to keep conversations moving when the bottom falls out.

I call it The Rip-Cord Protocol.

One day, I hope to get involved in an actual norsk conversation, and when I do, I want to be sure I’m a good listener. Fortunately that’s much easier than being the dominant speaker. But how do you practice foreign conversations without a language partner?