Dubai, where your date speaks a different language
Among the fringe benefits of living the expat life in the UAE is learning Arabic.
Or so many of us thought when we moved here – except that, despite (or perhaps because of) the 120 nationalities who make their home in the Emirates, learning a new language is a difficult proposition.
We rarely forced out of our comfort zones with everyone from gas station attendants to government officials all speaking English. Even Etisalat’s helpline, for example, runs in four languages.
Against that backdrop, someone who wants to learn a language must often seek out private lessons or buy expensive software.
At a time when we’re all counting our pennies, however, that may not be an option for everyone.
Belgian national Bénédicte Hennebo the answer lies in a networking programme she calls Speak Dating.
And before get excited at the idea of a romantic rendezvous with exotic foreigners, it’s really an exchange programme that aims to match people with a common interest in teaching and learning new languages.
“It’s based on a very simple concept of supply and demand,” the marketing professional tells Emirates247.com.
She says she was inspired by her own struggle to practice Arabic.
“For instance, I speak French, Dutch, Italian and English fluently but my Arabic is not that good yet, so I can offer, for instance, French or Italian conversation in exchange for some Arabic conversation. It’s a good complement to language classes as it focuses on practice and also help people to get a better understanding of other cultures.”
Welcome and introduction sessions run once a month at the Shelter in Dubai’s Al Quoz district.
Participants must register at least a week ahead of each event, so Hennebo and her team can facilitate language matches and “match” people together.
As of last night’s session, Shelter and Speak Dating have partnered with the Dubai-based language school Eton Institute, which promises to plug any gaps where “teachers” are missing.
Afterwards, participants are free to keep the conversation going with their newfound language partner.
“I felt there was a need for a bridge between the class and the real life,” Hennebo says, pointing out that learning a foreign language helps one understand the cultural realities of the other communities.
Speak Dating was launched in May and she says response to the events held so far has been overwhelming.
“I believe it shows the genuine interest of Dubai residents to better understand other cultures.”
English, Hindi and Urdu are among the most popular languages volunteered, while there are many requests for conversations in Arabic, French, Spanish or German.
The most unusual requests so far have been Chinese and Japanese, a gap Hennebo now hopes to plug with Eton’s involvement.
Those who do not find a partner at the welcome and information session, can send the Speak Dating team their language needs, and they will look for the best possible match.
And best of all, the sessions are don’t cost anything. “Participation is free – or the cost of two coffees,” Hennebo says.
“The principle is really that people should offer and receive, it is a community initiative.”
For more details on Speak Dating, contact The Shelter. See www.shelter.ae.