What is Local Lingo?
Local Lingo is a conversation-based English program designed to help newcomers build confidence in everyday English while forming meaningful connections in their community. We provide ready-to-use curriculum, teacher training, and practical launch resources so churches and community groups can start welcoming English classes without having to build a program from scratch.
Lessons focus on real-life conversation, practical vocabulary, and everyday situations, giving learners a supportive place to practice English and build relationships along the way.
Our Approach
We believe people learn language best when they have meaningful opportunities to use it. That’s why Local Lingo puts conversation at the center. Lessons focus on practical topics, everyday situations, and language learners can use right away—not simply vocabulary lists or grammar exercises. Classes are designed to be welcoming, relational, and participatory. Learners are encouraged to speak, ask questions, make mistakes, and grow in confidence alongside others.
The goal is not perfect English. It’s helping people communicate more confidently, connect more naturally, and feel increasingly at home in their community.
See how Local Lingo can develop over time—from launching your first Neighborhood Talk class to adding Conversation Corner opportunities and creating deeper connection beyond the classroom.
Why Conversation-Based English?
Language is meant to be used, not just studied.
Conversation gives learners the chance to practice English in the kinds of situations they encounter every day—meeting someone new, asking a question, making an appointment, shopping, or talking with a neighbour.
By speaking and listening in a supportive setting, learners can put new vocabulary into practice, grow more comfortable expressing themselves, and build confidence through repetition and real interaction.
Conversation also creates something a workbook alone cannot: connection. As learners practice English with others, relationships form, communities become more welcoming, and language learning becomes part of everyday life.
That’s why conversation sits at the heart of Local Lingo.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this program correlated with recognized ESL proficiency levels (TESOL, CEFR, etc.)?
No. Local Lingo is not formally aligned with, accredited by, or recognized by any official ESL certification or assessment framework, including:
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TESOL International Association
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CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
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WIDA Consortium
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CASAS
Completion of this program does not result in certification, testing scores, or recognized proficiency levels.
Local Lingo is designed as a conversation-based, community-centered learning experience, not a credentialed academic pathway.
2. Is there an entry assessment to place students in a specific level?
No. Local Lingo is intentionally designed to be multi-level, so no placement test is required.
Lessons are written to work with mixed-ability groups. Facilitators can naturally adjust questions, prompts, and activities depending on the speaking level of the students.
This makes the program especially well-suited for community settings, volunteer-led classes, and relational learning environments where students may have varying levels of English experience.
3. Can I start with Conversation Corner?
We strongly recommend that a student’s first experience with the program be Neighborhood Talk.
Neighborhood Talk:
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Builds foundational vocabulary
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Introduces cultural context
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Establishes conversational rhythm
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Helps students gain early confidence
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Provides natural and appropriate gospel exposure within a relational, conversational setting
Conversation Corner works best once students have some comfort and shared context.
4. Who is this program designed for?
Local Lingo works best in:
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Community ESL settings (ie. a grocery store, nail salon, restaurant etc.)
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Church-based programs (ie. a class hosted by a local church)
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Relational, small-group environments (ie. neighbors in an apartment complex)
It is ideal for organizations prioritizing connection, confidence, and real-life conversation practice.
5. Is this a replacement for formal ESL classes?
No. Local Lingo is not a substitute for structured, level-based ESL programs that prepare students for standardized testing or academic advancement.
It is a complementary conversation framework that strengthens:
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Speaking confidence
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Cultural fluency
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Community integration
6. Do instructors need formal ESL certification?
No. The lessons are written clearly and include step-by-step facilitation guidance, making them accessible to both trained teachers and volunteers.
7. Is grammar taught in this program?
Grammar is not taught explicitly through formal instruction or drills. Instead, language patterns develop naturally through structured conversation and repetition.
