Language Table Activities
CREATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH THE TARGET LANGUAGE
Our biweekly language tables offer students a dynamic, informal setting to practice speaking a foreign language while exploring new cultures. Usually held during meals or casual meetups, these gatherings bring together learners, native speakers, and instructors for conversation in the target language, building fluency and confidence beyond the classroom. In addition to improving communication skills, language tables foster cross-cultural understanding, strengthen community among participants, and enrich the academic experience by linking language study with real-world interaction. They are an invaluable resource for deepening both language proficiency and cultural awareness in a supportive, social environment.
Activities at language tables vary widely, offering fun and creative ways to engage with the target language. Participants might enjoy casual chats over lunch, play board games like Snakes and Ladders, act out words in a lively game of charades, or sing songs and recite poems together. Some sessions feature hands-on activities like folding origami while following verbal instructions, or conversations with engaging guest speakers, including interviews with musicians and other cultural figures. Occasionally, language tables take the experience off campus—such as a treasure hunt in Whole Foods conducted entirely in the target language—turning everyday settings into immersive learning environments.
