by Kaiku
In a globalized world, more and more communities are hosting multilingual meetups. These gatherings bring together people from different nationalities and native languages to chat and spend time together. Typically organized by private parties and often age-restricted, these meetups usually attract older audiences. However, if you’re younger, you can find similar events in local libraries that welcome all age groups.
Multilingual meetups offer a unique opportunity to practice language skills and engage socially. Participants can immerse themselves in different cultures, learn new perspectives, and enjoy good company along with drinks and snacks. The exchange of ideas and experiences in such a diverse setting can be both enriching and eye-opening. As a person who has been visiting Multilingual Meetups I can highly recommend trying them out. Currently many countries and cities are lacking places where you can meet new people in your free time, create more connections and build new friendships, and these meetings really got me better into local circles in my new home city after moving to a foreign country where I barely knew anyone.
Kicks and Kudos of Multilingual Meetups
While multilingual meetups offer many benefits, participants might encounter some common challenges. For newcomers, overcoming shyness can be difficult — making that first move to approach others, even in a friendly environment, can feel intimidating. It’s also natural for small groups of people with similar languages or backgrounds to form, which might unintentionally make it harder for others to join in. Additionally, participants may have concerns about inappropriate behaviour from a few individuals. Fortunately, event hosts are usually well-prepared to address these situations, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included.
Although the multilingual meetups have already reached their high point in many locations, the participants and organizers constantly work to improve the meetings. How things are run always depends on the hosts, but there are always basic needs and beneficial traits to find in these meetings. Feeling comfortable physically is often a key factor when meeting people, since talking is easier on a couch or by a coffee table, than walking around with a back ache or with a concern whether the chair under you is gonna break down or not. Get a drink, and get comfortable. Another helpful trait you may face in bigger meetings, the ones who can include more space, more comfort, and also more information, are flyers on different tables stating which languages are used by those specific spaces.
Going multilingual - ONLINE!
Multilingual meetups are no longer limited to physical spaces—they have found a home online as well! While the dynamics of interaction may differ, online multilingual events offer an excellent opportunity for people to connect, regardless of their geographical location. These events are ideal for those who don’t have access to local meetups or are simply curious about engaging with people from around the world face to face. Both physical and online multilingual meetups provide excellent opportunities to meet new people and exchange ideas. Just like with physical gatherings, the main goal of these meetups is meaningful conversation and cultural exchange. They offer a great space for people interested in languages and cultures, creating connections that go beyond geographical boundaries.
How to Host an Online Multilingual Meetup
Choose the Platform:
Pick a platform that’s easy to use, even for beginners.
Ensure it can support the number of participants you expect (small or large groups).
Define Your Target Audience:
Decide if you want a small, intimate gathering or a larger event.
Decide for which age group the meeting is for
Included Languages:
Choose whether to focus on a few specific languages or allow a wide range of languages.
Use platforms with features like separate voice channels or rooms for different languages, similar to language-specific tables in physical meetups.
Schedule the Event:
Consider time zones when picking a time
Provide a clear schedule
Prepare the Environment:
Make sure participants know how to use the platform and access language-specific rooms or channels.
Offer a quick tutorial if needed to make sure everyone feels comfortable joining in.
About Kaiku
Kaiku, a Finnish IT professional living in Poland with a passion for visual arts and languages. To them finding different perspectives and ideas is important, and expressing them in various forms from text to visual content.