For the love of language
MIDRAND - Lingo Links Language Club held its year-end celebrations at African Footprint Lodge in Midrand.
The event was an around-the-world feast of culinary delights as members brought and shared delicacies from their home countries.
Attendees formed an interesting mix of cultures who mingled and made new friends across language barriers. Lingo Links helps people forge new friendships and imparts cultural enrichment.
Rhona Wetzka, founder of the language club, said the club offered a wonderful opportunity to brush up on an acquired language or a chance to revive a rusty mother tongue.
Wetzka said, “Small groups meet in the comfort of members’ homes or coffee shops to socialise in foreign languages, such as European, Asian or African. There are also special English conversation groups called Merry Mixes, for newcomers to South Africa to adapt and make friends.”
Wetzka said she encouraged people to start groups in their areas. “Mother-tongue speakers form the backbone of the conversation circles, and to join, one must have a solid basic knowledge of the foreign language,” she said.
Wetzka says there is an opportunity for more cultural exchange in Midrand as Kathy Molloy, a French intermediate speaker, and German-speaking Daphne Ferreira are looking for people to join them in learning new languages and making friends.
Wetzka said Melanie He started a Chinese and English group three years ago in order to meet South Africans and make friends.
“One man from Midrand joined my Jasmine Tea group, and I hope for even more members next year, both Chinese and local,” said He.
Details: www.lingolinks.co.za, info@lingolinks.co.za or 072 786 9961.
