The Taalcafé Mundial language cafe is a social event for language lovers. The organisers bring together around 100 Belgians and non-Belgians twice a month to talk with native language speakers from all around the world. Often you’ll find 20 different languages being spoken in one room, from the classics like English, Dutch and Spanish to some slightly less common ones like Danish, Hungarian and even the local Ghent language.

There’s quite a simple format to the evening: each language gets its own table, and you’re only allowed to speak that language at that table. If you need a break from all the new words, you can always sit at one of the ‘bar tables’ where any language goes. The thing I love about ‘the Taalcafé’ (as it’s known among the regulars) is that every time you go you never know who you might end up speaking to. I’ve met lots of people there and pretty much everyone has an interesting story to tell. I always come home feeling inspired, if not by what we’ve talked about then by the new words or expressions I’ve learned, or just by how keen people are to learn from each other.

I’d advise everyone to fill in the form to sign up before each event so that the team can try to make sure you’ll have someone to speak to in the languages you’re interested in. I also recommend joining the Facebook group as the regular posts there mean you won’t miss out.