Language exchange events are a small 'microcosm of the world'
Good morning. This is Saito, number 31. It is the morning of Tuesday, July 9th.
Last night, starting at 7:00 PM, I participated in a 'language exchange event' held in Barcelona. Just like in Japan, these events take place almost every day all over the city. The venues are truly varied, ranging from bars and cafes to bars attached to larger train stations.
Here, I participate by checking an event information site called 'Meetup,' and there are two main organizers who run language exchange events in Barcelona. One is a woman, and the other is a man. Although they are separate groups, they hold events almost every day, changing the venue daily.
Barcelona, a 'tourist city' where travelers and young people gather
Barcelona is such a popular city that it has been chosen as the 'world's number one tourist city' in the past, and it competes for the top spot with Paris, France, every year.
Because of this, young people gather from all over Europe and the world. They participate in these bar events during their stay with the goal of 'wanting to interact with people from various countries' or 'wanting to meet new people.'
The event I attended yesterday was hosted by the woman, a veteran who has been running these language exchanges since before 2019. When I asked her about it, she told me that she is a Spanish and English teacher in her daily life.
It made sense that the events are always lively and naturally attract people, precisely because they are hosted by someone who teaches languages. In Spain, 'talking' is a major form of entertainment and a part of the culture.
Home parties held at friends' houses and conversations at bars are at the center of this country's lifestyle.
A 'culture of talking forever' that is a bit unusual for Japanese people
For Japanese people, the culture of talking with strangers in the same place might be a bit unfamiliar.
However, Spaniards and Italians simply love to talk.
Suppose you are out for a run and pass by a pair of people sitting on a bench.
If you pass by the same spot an hour later, they are still talking.
Usually, they might continue talking at a cafe or on a bench for six or seven hours, let alone three. On weekends, many people spend time outdoors hiking, picnicking, or cycling, and the conversation continues there as well.
In any case, this country has a culture where 'to talk is to live.'
The people who gathered at yesterday's event
There were about 30 participants at yesterday's event, but I was the only Asian person.
This is a common sight at language exchange events abroad.
The nationalities of the participants were also diverse.
It was truly multinational, including people from Spain, Argentina, Russia, Egypt, and France. Yesterday in particular, I had a great time with Pablo, a Spaniard who had stayed in Japan three months ago, and a young Egyptian man who had moved to Barcelona a year and a half ago.
▽ The main topics were something like this
How to learn Spanish
Japanese culture and characteristics
Differences between Japan, Korea, and China
Differences in values between countries
Barcelona's 'good kebab shops' and 'stories of mistakes'
With the vibe of an izakaya talk, the conversation continued non-stop.
After that, a woman from Argentina who is a friend of Pablo's joined the conversation; she has a unique background, working in 'managing horses that run in horse races.'
She says she will participate in a two-month training program in Miami, USA, next year to learn horse management techniques. Pablo also said he is going on a three-week trip to Mexico next.
It is normal for foreigners to 'travel to multiple cities'
What surprises me when talking to people from overseas is their style of travel.
When they go to a country, they don't just visit 'one city,' butit is normal to visit 5 or 6 cities.
Even when coming to Asia, they travel across multiple countries, such as
Philippines → Thailand → Vietnam → China → Korea → Japan
This is in contrast to many Japanese people, whose trips often end with just 'going to Spain = Barcelona or Madrid.'
Many foreignersmove to the next city in 2 to 3 days.
Hearing about the background and differences in values behind such travel is very stimulating and broadens my perspective.
Language exchange events are a small 'microcosm of the world'
There are also people who build long-lasting friendships through language exchange events.
By jumping into these small events held anywhere in the world, surprising encounters and miracles are born.
Whether you have plans to go abroad or not, please try participating at least once. A new journey begins with 'talking'.
Well then, have a great day today!
Hasta la vista!
The Spotify distribution version ishere '#23 Language exchange events are a small 'microcosm of the world'
