Why do people miss out on making new friends in order to ''practice'' whatever they're studying ?
I've met people from all over the world and they ask me this kind of question, as well. You know the deal, ''could you explain to me how the present perfect works, what about the past, future ... and so on''. If you want to practice English, Spanish, Portuguese, whatever with a native speaker, you shouldn't definitely start doing this by saying: ''Hey, could you teach me whatever?'' NO, I CAN'T. I want to communicate with you, share my thoughts, know what you're concentrating on or interested in. Even if you're just helping someone with your language and they're doing the same thing. If you ask me how the grammar works in Spanish or Portuguese, I don't know everything about it and you know why ? Because I just know what sounds right or wrong. You develop this skill as a child, maybe I can't explain it to you but I know it's wrong. Don't ask native speakers to do your homework, ask them for advice. You'll keep your friendship going and you'll learn and have fun much more. Believe me. :))
I can understand it is annoying when people ask you for explaining things but there is one way to explain this just politely, sorry "I am not a language teacher, find a professional help". The trouble is that many people are desperate when learning a language. They do not understand the specific grammar as their language works differently and seek for help everywhere. And to tell the truth, non-native speakers offen think the native speakers are know-alls. Of course, this does not mean they should misuse them. I just share my opinion that it is not always about misusing. There is also another issue. Some "teachers" here cannot / do not explain grammar - they are called "community teachers" and that means they have not studied language teaching and sometimes avoid teaching grammar - they just offer conversation, sometimes without any conception or preparation (this is also called informal tutoring) or interest in teaching people something (my own experience here). I am a professional teacher and I think it should not be like that. but I do not blame them. This a place where people can find help, teachers, language partners and maybe also friends (but I am not very persuaded about this) and also a place where people can earn some money. Everybody can decide whether they want to cooperate, reply or help. :)
