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Stamford Event Creates Connections In English And French

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Experts say the best way to learn a foreign language is by speaking it. And those in Fairfield County looking to learn French now have an opportunity to do so through a new social event in Stamford called Parlez Vous Franglais?

"Parlez Vous Francais?" events held in Stamford by Greenwich resident Kymberley Baker allow attendees to have conversations that are six minutes of English and six minutes in French.

"Parlez Vous Francais?" events held in Stamford by Greenwich resident Kymberley Baker allow attendees to have conversations that are six minutes of English and six minutes in French.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kymberley Baker

The events were created by Kymberley Baker of Greenwich and consist of short "speed-chatting" conversations. They are held in restaurants where attendees are paired up with partners for 12 minute conversations consisting of six minutes in English followed by six minutes in French. After the 12 minutes, they switch tables and begin conversations with a new partner.

Baker started the event earlier this year after traveling to Paris to study. Not knowing anyone over there, she found it was difficult to meet people until she learned about a similar language event that allowed people to have quick conversations with each other.

"When I got back here, I looked it up because I was sure something similar must exist, but it didn't," Baker said. "There were several French meet-up groups, but French conversations and French speaking was not necessarily guaranteed, so I decided to start my own."

Parlez Vous Franglais? has held two events so far, and will hold another on Oct. 28. Baker said that they appear to be growing in popularity, with people traveling from across Fairfield County. She said people who are learning the language or just looking for the opportunity to speak it find it helpful to meet others with a similar interest in speaking French. 

"If you want to learn French you can hire a tutor or take a class, but conversation is a big part of learning a language. Here you can come, have a conversation, meet new people and learn the language," she said.

Though the events are primarily for English-speaking people who are trying to learn French, there have been a few French-speaking attendees looking to brush up on their English. She said that the area has a lot of native French speakers who are eager to find others with whom they can converse.

Baker plans to continue to grow the events, and hopes to be able to eventually hold weekly conversations. The third Parlez Vous Franglais? event will be held Oct. 28 at Bar Rosso in Stamford from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. The cost is $25, which includes wine. You can RSVP to kymberley@parlezvousfranglais.me.

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