VEMU keelekohvik/Estonian Language Café

At Tartu College, 3 Madison Ave. Toronto. Free event with donations welcomed!

Join us at our recurring Estonian language cafés for a chance to practice your Estonian! The cafés are especially good for beginners who are looking to practice chatting about everyday topics in a relaxed environment.

Situations and topics that arise in day-to-day life are discussed at the cafes. These include things like introducing yourself, looking for work, training and studying, communicating with colleagues, travelling, enjoying hobbies and marking special days and occasions, as well as everyday situations such as attending doctor’s appointments and dealing with officials.

So what do they involve?

Here are five important things you should know about them:

1. They DON’T involve grammar studies
   The language cafés are not language courses. They’re a chance for you to take a break from your everyday routine and practise your Estonian in a relaxed atmosphere outside of the confines of a traditional classroom setting. Your language skills will improve, and you’re sure to meet some great people.
2. Everyone gets the chance to speak
   Finally you get an opportunity to focus on speaking Estonian and understanding what others are saying! You also build up your courage and self-assurance in using the language.
3. We keep talking the whole time
   We don’t do any writing; we don’t do any exercises; we don’t do any reading. We talk, and talk, and talk.
4. Mistakes are allowed
   No one should worry about the fact that their Estonian isn’t perfect. It’s great when people with English, Russian or another first language speak Estonian, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter if you make little mistakes.
5. We talk about things that are of interest to people
   It’s no secret that we all like to talk about ourselves, our travels, our hobbies, our work and our families. And they’re just the sorts of things we talk about at the language cafés.