English

What makes a person belong somewhere? For many, it’s about living there and contributing to its society. For others, it’s about whether you were born there or how long your family has been there. Lately, people's definitions about "nationality" or "national identity" seem to drift further apart, in ways that affect trust and everyday life - and some people also feel that it should be tied to more fixed traits such as appearance (e.g. skin colour) or ancestry. We will discuss... 1\. What should matter most: living somwhere\, contributing\, shared values\, language\, culture\, etc? Why? 2\. Why do some people focus on fixed traits such as appearance \(e\.g\. skin colour\) or ancestry? What concerns or motives might lead to such ideas? 3\. What happens to trust in everyday life when people strongly disagree on who belongs somewhere\, e\.g\. at work\, in social life\, in public? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to hear how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society—with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **Our group conversations are open and flexible - there is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the main questions, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak. Here's a typically structure, but we adjust on the day depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **EVENT ETIQUETTE (Rules & expectations)** \- Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks\! \- No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding \- Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts also attend after work and may happen to arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway. Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

**FREE FIRST EVENT** \- use code 'FIRSTEVENT' at \[website checkout [www.connectedbusinessenglish.com/events](http://www.connectedbusinessenglish.com/events)](www.connectedbusinessenglish.com/events). Includes a **free welcome giftbag** for your first event. *Don't worry about the number of attendees on MeetUp - we advertise across multiple platforms.* **Are you looking to improve your English skills in a relaxed setting?** Join us for an evening of networking, learning and language practice. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this event is perfect for anyone wanting to practise their English speaking and listening skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Our experienced [Business English teachers](https://amphibian-silver-d7ws.squarespace.com/about) will guide you through interactive activities, engaging conversations, and language games. Connect with like-minded professionals over drinks and snacks. This event is the perfect opportunity to expand your network, develop your Business English and improve your confidence in speaking English. Location: **Brewdog, Waterloo Station - table 301 / 326 near the upstairs entrance from the station. Message the WhatsApp group if you need help to find us -** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DXIZLpqZuGHIQe9MOSRUQI](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DXIZLpqZuGHIQe9MOSRUQI "https://chat.whatsapp.com/DXIZLpqZuGHIQe9MOSRUQI")**, or ask for a booking under 'Hannah Jones'.** **What makes us different?** * **Custom-made games:** We develop our own unique, interactive games focusing on several industries... including Business English, accounting, tech, marketing, finance, medical and legal English... to make learning fun and effective. * **Experienced teachers:** [Qualified Business English teachers and accountants, ](https://amphibian-silver-d7ws.squarespace.com/about)providing guidance throughout the event. * **Free welcome gift bag:** at your first event! **All levels welcome!** Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this event is perfect for practising your speaking and listening skills. **FREE FIRST EVENT - use code 'FIRSTEVENT' at website checkout.** **Join our community:** * [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DXIZLpqZuGHIQe9MOSRUQI). * Instagram - connected_business_english. **Subscribe for updates on future events.**

This week we'll discuss chapter 2 of [How Language Began](https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Language-Began-Humanitys-Invention/dp/1781253935/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27SNUKXPY1BWO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pTtn5alJgGZxLimiVijnr1oxTj0AiKpPdpaaVkIUio1hwzPu48_laQFrsnpFEGZMkWvnwbcALfmeyhyeuVQbcNCtoB6oD_Bg6K-GRhzBWrI.g5fzcdJdVKVgxgrTe1s6wn3c6dilMbYkHbhe_yGuzbQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+language+began&qid=1768693702&s=books&sprefix=how+language+began%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1), by Daniel Everett. In this work Everett presents his views about the origin of language -- that it is a culturally evolved tool for communication, not the product of innate biological instinct or pre-wired universal grammar. Please read the chapter before attending.

**Hello there!** Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person lessons**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House London**, our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes**. For more information, please email us at **teachertraining@staffordhouse.com**. 🕑 **When:** From 5th Jan - 29th Jan 2026 (4 weeks) ➡️Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️Fridays 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level:** **Pre-Intermediate (A2) -** From 5th Jan **-** 16th Jan 26 **Upper-Intermediate (B2)** \- From 16th Jan \- 29th Jan 26 Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note: confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Important - Please Read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Welcome to London's Highest Rated International Languages Exchange group with over 1300 reviews rated 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹🇩🇪🇮🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🇨🇳🇪🇬🇭🇰🇺🇦🇺🇸🇹🇷🇹🇼🇷🇺🇵🇱 To learn more about us and our community visit [www.languages.london](https://www.languages.london/) WHEN & WHERE Join us on Tuesday for our global language exchange and social from 7pm. The venue is the Craft Beer Co. in BRIXTON and we have the first floor exclusively for our event. The venue is a really friendly pub with a great selection of drinks (especially beers!) including non-alcoholic options. Plus excellent access to public transport. HOW WE DO IT It's simple .... \~ When you arrive please collect your personalised language badge from us, **BEFORE** you order your drinks. We'll be waiting to give you a warm welcome 😃 \~ Please wear your badge during the event and return it before you leave. \~ Start meeting the community and having fun, lots of fun! You should confirm your place to attend. There's normally a small fee of £2 to attend our events, but our events in Brixton are free until the end of January! Please buy something from the bar to support the venue, who kindly offer us a dedicated space. 🇲🇽🇻🇳🇧🇬🇵🇸🇸🇪🇮🇱🇦🇺🇨🇦🇳🇱🇨🇴🇭🇺🇿🇦🇹🇭🇵🇪🇧🇴🇳🇬🇪🇬🇳🇿🇨🇭 **WHO** Languages in London events are organised for our community - being social, making new friends, building cultural bridges and always very relaxed. We have the largest number of languages and countries represented in our weekly language exchange and social events. This is **not** a dating event. Our events are open to Internationals, Locals, Expats, Students, Travellers..... Everyone! This is the event for a truly global community and for citizens from around the World 🌎 Is this the Intercambio you've been looking for? Want to practice your ingles, espanol , francais, italiano, Deutsch, portugues or other European languages? Asian languages ? Or maybe prefer to only speak English, that's just fine. **All languages and all fluency levels are welcome** Spread the love, bring your family, friends and colleagues 💙 The creator and organiser of **Languages in London - Girish**, will always be visible at the event and there to support you and help with introductions, if you prefer. These are real events with real people. We aren't one of those groups that fill our events with fictitious attendees👻. We want to remain the **BEST** language events group in London, being the biggest isn't our focus. **No-shows at our events are removed from the group.** **Inactive members are also regularly removed from our group.** **LANGUAGES** Here's a selection of some of the languages that our community speak or have been practicing English, Spanish (incl Latin American), French, Italian, Portuguese (incl Brazilian), German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Russian, Korean, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Hebrew, Swedish, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Bengali, Dutch, Catalan, Farsi, Greek, Urdu, Welsh, Romanian, Norwegian, Czech, Slovakian, Estonian, Danish, Finnish, Turkmen, Latvian, Lithuanian, Nepali, Yoruba, Filipino, Thai, Albanian, Croatian, Serbian, Ebo, Gaelic, Icelandic, Afrikaans, Tamazight, Tagalog, Creole, Malagasy, Mongolian, Tok Pisin and more... you get the idea! 🇷🇴🇬🇹🇨🇿🇳🇴🇩🇰🇫🇮🇨🇾🇺🇾🇪🇬🇧🇬🇦🇷🇰🇪🇱🇰🇲🇦🇹🇳🇩🇿🇸🇬🇲🇾 **SUSTAINABLE** 🌎🌳 Like you, we really care about our planet. We don't like single use paper name tags, stickers or wristbands as they can't be reused or recycled and can even damage your clothing ☹️ The Solution? Our personalised and completely reusable Languages in London badges! 🏆👍 So, please make sure you return your badge to us, before you leave the event. We'll sanitise it (anti bacterial & disinfectant cleaners) and use it again & again & again. Thanks for helping us do the right thing and keep our costs down🙏 **SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE** 👮‍♂️ We don't tolerate prejudice or harassment of any kind, at any time. Be polite and respectful to everyone else and they will reciprocate. Let's keep the space safe, welcoming for everyone and free of any political agendas. Please report any concerns to the Organiser immediately. Please look after your belongings, the venue is a public place. We may take photos or video at the event for future promotional use. Let us if know you'd rather not be included, we respect your choice 📸 **SPREAD THE WORD** 🗣️💬 If you enjoy our events, please tell your friends and colleagues and help us grow **your** community, thank you ♥️ Join our community - [www.languages.london](https://www.languages.london/) We're looking forward to welcoming you at Languages in London 😊😃👋 🇲🇰🇳🇵🇧🇩🇵🇭🇦🇪🇦🇱🇧🇪🇮🇪🇲🇹🇰🇿🇱🇦🇯🇴🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇰🇭🇨🇱🇲🇳🇨🇺

17:15-18:00 Doors open / Registration 17:30-18:30 Free English Classes in small groups 18:30-19:15 Meal for 3.5£ / Meet new people www.freeenglishclasses.org

**Do you enjoy discussing life's big questions?** Then this group is for you! Open for three weeks only. **Christianity explored** is an informal and relaxed three-week discussion group. We will read a short book (21 pages) from the famous book, the Bible and have discussions. It's for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. **If you are open-minded and want to discuss life questions from a new perspective, then come join us!** Come ready to listen, ask, laugh and enjoy socialising and chatting in a relaxed environment at our beautiful venue free of charge. No knowledge of Christianity or the bible is required to attend. **You can ask any questions**, or simply sit and listen. You will not be asked to read, pray or speak. Join us if you would like to meet others and be part of this three-week reading group. Dates: Every Tuesday for three weeks Venue: Inspire St James Church, EC1R 0EA \*\*FREE DINNER provided from the lovely Noodle Brat restaurant \*\* Look forward to see you!

1st Sunday of every month, explore the best of Chinese and Western cultures in a relaxed, bilingual setting with our **Cultural Club**! * **How it works:** We pick a theme (music, books, movies, food, or art). You bring a favourite item to share. * **The Result:** Authentic discussions, new vocab, cultural insights and fluency that doesn’t feel like work! So fun, anyone? **February's Theme - Movies! 🎬** **Love movies?** Dream of understanding Chinese films without subtitles? Then this is the perfect event for you! * Share a movie you enjoy, we'll explore the meaning behind the dialogues and scenes together, and improve your conversation skills naturally! * **Beginners are welcome**, our host, an experienced tutor, will provide active language support for all levels. * **Price:** £10 - [Tap here to secure your space & Pay](https://monzo.com/pay/r/china-unbound_qsboSdlMTJ8Q1R) * This is a really fun way to learn new vocabulary, gain cultural insights, and boost your confidence for real-world communication! We can't wait to welcome you! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Take your Mandarin beyond the event.** 🤝 If you’re looking for a bit more structure to accelerate your learning, let’s chat! We're offering **FREE 1-on-1 course advice sessions** to help you find the perfect class. **No commitment** required. [Book your Free Session](https://eu.bigin.online/org20070515371/bookings/course-advice) **China Unbound** is the best place to learn practical Chinese for adults. While most schools prioritise grammar and writing, China Unbound empowers you to confidently communicate in Chinese in real-world situations. Join us and discover a fun, fast, and personalised way to master Chinese! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 准备好在轻松有趣的双语环境中提升你的英语水平了吗？每月的第一个星期日，加入我们的双语文化俱乐部，体验独一无二的文化之旅！ 在这里，语言学习与兴趣完美结合。我们围绕音乐、书籍、电影、美食和艺术等共同话题，在轻松友好的氛围中交流，让你的学习之路变得更加生动有趣！ **二月的主题 - 电影🎬！** 热爱电影？想不靠字幕看懂英文片？这场活动正适合你！ * 带上一部你喜欢的影视作品，学会用英语表达看法，还有不会的地方我们一起拆解讲解！ * 新手也欢迎！不会说没关系，可以先用中文表达，我们来帮你翻译。我们的目标是：**互相学习、开心最重要，不追求完美！** * 费用：£10 - [点击预约并支付](https://monzo.com/pay/r/china-unbound_qsboSdlMTJ8Q1R)，名额有限，先到先得！ * 无论是**提升流利度**、**理解地道表达**，还是**增强**职场和公开场合的**沟通自信**，这里都适合你！ 学得更聪明，遇见更棒的人！我们在这里等你，一起开启全新的语言和文化之旅！

**Join us for a delightful evening of French conversation and delicious cuisine.** We'll be gathering at a charming brasserie in Chelsea for a 3-course dinner. Enjoy a taste of France while practicing your language skills with fellow enthusiasts. Price: £39 (3-course menu) **Sample Menu:** * **Starters:** French onion soup, tuna tartare, scotch beef carpaccio, burrata, charred cauliflower * **Mains:** Sirloin steak, PJ's burger, chicken Milanese, seafood linguine, chickpea & harissa tagine * **Desserts:** Salted caramel crème brûlée, lemon meringue posset, Belgian chocolate truffle cake, selection of sorbets & ice creams **Dietary Requirements:** Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. **Additional Information:** * Drinks, side menu, and supplement dishes are not included and will be paid for separately at the venue. * This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and improve your French. **We can't wait to see you there!** The French Enthusiasts Team

Let's read Modern Standard Arabic together and help each other. This get-together continues weekly. Please disregard attendee numbers, as most members come without registering here. There is no charge for this time together.

This a BSL practice group for level 1 students and above. We will be meeting at the national theatre in southbank

Salam, Dustan! ‘Kiarostami takes meta-narrative gamesmanship to masterful new heights in the final instalment of his celebrated Koker trilogy. Unfolding behind the scenes of the shooting of the previous film in the series, *[And Life Goes On](https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/search_results/keyword/and+life+goes+on)…*, [Through the Olive Trees ](https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/search_results/keyword/through+the+olive+trees) traces the complications that arise when the romantic misfortune of one of the actors—a lovelorn young man who pines for the woman cast as his wife even though, in real life, she will have nothing to do with him—creates turmoil on set and leaves the hapless director caught in the middle. An ineffably lovely, gentle human comedy steeped in the folkways of Iranian village life, this Pirandellian pastoral peels away layer after layer of artifice as it investigates the elusive, alchemical relationship between cinema and reality.’ – Janus Films We’ll meet at 8pm before the film starts and after the screening for a chat and drinks at the cinema. Reservation link for the 8.15pm screening: [https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/close-up-cinema/e-qgvobz](https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/close-up-cinema/e-qgvobz) Do you speak French and would like to be part of a reading group and other events in French? [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-livres/](https://www.meetup.com/The-London-French-Club/) Do you speak Spanish and would like to be part of a reading group in Spanish? [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Spanish-Club/) Or join my eclectic English book club: [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros/) instagram: @persian_culture_ -Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Let's walk around Canary Wharf and admire the installation "winter lights". You can practice descriptions, giving your opinion, and of course just chatting with other people wishing to practice their conversational French. The event should last a couple of hours, maybe more! Of course, you can also practice being French and giving your opinion without trying to give a positive spin on things!! :) The event is free, but if you want a drink or a snack, bring your own. I also recommend you download the document provided on the Canary Wharf site for information about the artists and the installation if you want to fully appreciate the art. We will meet outside the Jubilee line station, opposite Eden Dock. Please note: We will wait a maximum of 15 minutes, and then go. Last year a person was over 45 minutes late and then they left a bad review because I left after 45 minutes! Please be respectful of other people's time.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williams’ most famous plays.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Paris Baguette on Lane Avenue. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Let’s meetup at Cafe Istanbul for the last day of Restaurant Week. You get three courses for $30. This is the menu: https://614now.com/rw-menu/cafeistanbul-easton

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.