It’s good to talk!

People wanting to learn the gift of the gab in different languages are meeting up to socialise, learn the culture and communicate within a multi-national speaking group.

The concept of the ‘Language Café’ came about when Bahraini mechanical engineer and language teacher, Yusuf Mukhtar, experienced it first-hand in Austria during one of his travels.

“Yusuf told me about his experience and how it proved to be such a great concept to help people practise their language skills,” said German architect and ‘wastre-prenuer’/ environment advocate, Kai Miethig, from Sanabis. “Many people are unable to practice another language enough and end up losing the ability to use it after some time. The Language Café’ also offers people the chance to try new languages too!

“Many often have no counterpart to speak the language they are currently learning and some feel more comfortable in a group.

“Everyone is welcome. We help people practice and also guide them if they are seeking education abroad as well.”

The group, which is now made up of 68 members, started at the beginning of the year and meet on a weekly basis at an array of cafes across the island.

People can practise their German, Arabic, Spanish and English and the current team that leads the group and organises the meets include Yusuf, Kai, Murtadha Al Hujairi, Florencia Santillan and Feras Alabdulla.

“The best way to learn a language is by immersing yourself with native speakers,” said Yusuf who has travelled to Austria, Germany, Spain and Switzerland and attended several exchange programmes to help improve his language abilities.

“We have a WhatsApp group for all information required for the meetings as we meet up on Saturdays at different locations. We also meet online with native speakers in their country of origin.”

The group is also planning monthly movie nights such as showing German movies with English subtitles. “It is not only about the language but appreciating each country’s culture and history. That all plays an important part in the learning process,” added Yusuf, from Manama.