A social group in the capital is helping aspiring linguists develop their language skills by interacting. A mix of ex-patriots and locals come together to share their passion for learning languages.
Abu Dhabi Speaks is a not-for-profit, Facebook-based group that was founded out of a need for people to polish their language skills. It is free to join, because it works on a mutually-beneficial basis.
The way it works is: a group of people who want to learn or practice another language gather together. Once a suitable pairing or group has been made, the conversation begins. Initially in one language (for example Arabic) and then it changes (perhaps to English) so all conversers have a chance to use both their native and their practiced language.
The group recently celebrated their third birthday with a treasure hunt around the Souk Central Market, which is their main location for meetings. We spoke to founders Rosa and Karen to find out more.
So how did Abu Dhabi Speaks come to be?
Rosa: Three years ago I thought it was a good idea to do a language exchange with English speaking friends – I’m a native Spanish speaker – but then I realised that, being in an Arabic-speaking country, Arabic should be included! Soon more friends from different nationalities asked me to include them, so Abu Dhabi Speaks was born. It’s amazing to see so many people from so many different countries happily interacting in
our sessions.
How many people often turn up to the meetings?
Rosa: It depends on the time of the year, the best could be around 30-40 people, but never less than 10-15. The ladies-only morning group, which we began this year, is very popular, with nearly 30 ladies attending every session.
How does it work with the different languages?
Rosa: Sessions are informal, people just show up when it’s convenient for them. So depending on who comes, those are what languages we have available and we organise the groups accordingly.
Is there a particular language that is in high demand?
Rosa: Most of our current members come for Arabic, English or French. But we have people coming for many other languages, including German, Spanish, Chinese and Hindi.
How do people respond to the events?
Rosa: We have organised Iftar nights during Ramadan or, for example, our most recent event, the treasure hunt, was a huge success. People enjoy having the chance to socialise and learn in a friendly environment. These other activities outside of our usual language meetings are a way to build our group as well by giving us a different type of exposure. They are also fun!
What should people consider when joining?
Karen: The focus of Abu Dhabi Speaks is, first and foremost, speaking a language. We work to encourage learning and sharing everyone’s love of language. While our members are improving their language skills, they are also getting to socialise and they are exploring other cultures.
Rosa: Respecting other cultures is a must. We try to keep an informal atmosphere where people can come and feel comfortable with everyone. It’s also always an opportunity for making new friends and networking.
How much work goes into organising the group?
Rosa: [Exhales] That’s a good question! It actually takes a lot of time behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly, but because I really enjoy it a lot I can’t imagine not doing it. The support of friends is very important, otherwise it would have been impossible to keep the group running. I’m very happy that Karen is always there. We meet to discuss what we can improve, what people need and how to grow the group. Also Patricia, the organiser of the off-island sessions, is doing a great job for the group as well.
How often do you organise events like the treasure hunt?
Rosa: Every time we have the chance to do it! The treasure hunt was so well attended and enjoyed by the members and merchants that people are already asking for another one. The support of the Aldar Management of the Souk was essential in making the event possible, so we are very grateful to them.
Do you have anything else to add?
Rosa: Our traditional sessions take place every Tuesday night at the public square of the Souk Central Market, but we also host ladies-only sessions on Sundays morning, and off-island sessions at Café Firenze Al Zeina. So there is an option for everyone.
Also I’d like to say that this project is growing and growing thanks to the support of the local media, friends and companies. The management of the Souk, for example, has recently offered their support by sponsoring English teachers for the ladies-only sessions. At those sessions many ladies need to practice their English rather than doing language exchange, therefore having several formal teachers available is a great help to serve the community better.
To find out more visit www.facebook.com/ADspeaks.
