Language groups at SPEAK have two different levels -- Basic and Conversational -- that take into account the previous knowledge participants have of the language they want to learn/practice.
The Basic level
Basic language groups are for participants who are learning a language for the first time. Buddies leading these language groups use languages other than the one they are sharing to help participants learn the basics -- for example, a Portuguese Basic language group can be led in English.
The Conversational level
Conversational language groups are for participants who already understand the basics of the language and want to improve it. Buddies leading these language groups mostly communicate in the language they are sharing -- for example, a Portuguese Conversational language group will be led in Portuguese.