Rapport! What does it mean? This is the Oxford learner's definition: rapport noun /ræˈpɔː(r)/ /ræˈpɔːr/ [singular, uncountable] ​a friendly relationship in which people understand each other very well rapport with somebody She understood the importance of establishing a close rapport with clients. rapport between A and B Honesty is essential if there is to be good rapport between patient and therapist. There was little rapport between the two women. She felt an instant rapport between them. Rapport is indeed a friendly relationship in which people understand each other well. But what does it mean for learners of another language? Having a comfortable relationship between teacher and learner, where communication feels easy is so important for the learning to take place. It is just as important as expertise in grammar or the ability to teach better pronunciation etc. I think however, that it's even more than that. Rapport also means that the teacher listens and notices when the learner is feeling embarrassed about mistakes or is frustrated about his/her/their learning progress and errors that happen. Rapport is about empathy, remembering details the learner shares, and showing curiosity in and about the learner's life. Rapport is about building trust, a space where the learner feels ok about making mistakes and feels free to communicate without awkwardness. Rapport is also about the teacher's willingness to learn from and with the student. I have learned so many things from and with my learners, not only about their worlds but about the English language too. Rapport is about going on a journey of discovery with the learner, and finally it is about building relationships, bonds with a global community, many of which have lasted for years.