Mason Galemore
Contributing Writer
mgalemore@murraystate.edu

Many people have the desire to learn a new language and to converse fluently with others. All German speakers at Murray State can do just that without the hassle of traveling to Berlin or Frankfurt. At Murray State, a fun conversation in German is just a Zoom call away.

The German Coffee Table invites all students to jump in and exercise their linguistic skills and have a conversation in German. The event draws speakers no matter their fluency level and helps them explore the language in a fun atmosphere.

The Coffee Table’s director, professor Roxanne Riegler, has led the event since fall 2014 when she first started teaching at Murray State. She has taught French and German and she attended the University of Salzburg in Germany.

The German Coffee table is open to all students, but those who are beginners are highly encouraged to attend for it offers a great opportunity to practice.  

Reigler said students who participate are not required to speak if they do not wish to do so. Nonetheless, Riegler does try to ask them simple questions to give them the opportunity to converse.

“We do try to make sure that everyone gets a chance to speak by asking specific questions tailored to their current skill level,” Reigler said. “The goal of a language table is to encourage students to improve their speaking and listening skills.”

Although students are most of the participants, the event is not exclusive to Murray State students. Anyone who has access to Zoom and an interest in German to some degree is invited.   

Reigler said there are also participants from other colleges and members of the local community who attend the event. This creates a well-rounded experience where people from different backgrounds can take part.

One might be confused or anxious as to where a conversation in a foreign language might go. At the Coffee Table, participants have no need to worry about making mistakes or having to talk in an extremely formal setting. Reigler said the conversations are very casual.

“There are neither specific activities planned nor topics addressed,” Reigler said. “It is very much spontaneous. I do, however, ask the participants at the beginning about their weekend to get them speaking. Even beginners can say something. Sometimes we speak about current events or do some show and tell.”

Reigler said the main goal of the German Coffee Table is to help those who want to learn German and inspire them to keep practicing.

The Zoom link for The German Coffee Table can be found on Murray State’s website under the calendar page. There will be a meeting every Tuesday, the last one being held on March 9, from 3:30 p.m. until 4:15 p.m.