Cafe Hispano gives students opportunity to speak

Are you taking a Spanish language class, but have no one to speak Spanish with? Students looking for an opportunity to practice in a real-world setting might find Cafe Hispano helpful. Cafe Hispano is a Spanish conversation group that welcomes all levels of the language, from beginners \nto advanced. \nThe group will begin its sessions at 5:30 p.m. today at Wright Place Food Court. Students are instructed to look for the small flags of Latino countries on the north end of the dining room, according to the La Casa e-newsletter. \nCoordinator Ryder Timberlake said although the group has been around for several years, it is his “firm conviction that the most any classroom experience can provide is a language foundation.” \n“Any learner must have a very real and tangible connection with the language in order to become proficient,” Timberlake said. \nSpecial events are under consideration, including an imitation contest of Chilean or Argentinean accents, Timberlake said. \nIn addition to the Spanish language, students are encouraged to attend for linguistic and cultural input. \nNative speakers are asked to attend to provide input, and “in some cases, to maintain or improve their connection with the language,” Timberlake said. \n“Weekly conversations with fellow learners and native speakers can provide an invaluable addition to and enrichment of classroom education. They also help to give students the confidence and competence they need to communicate effectively if they travel abroad.”