Weekly Language Tables
The Center for Middle Eastern Studies hosts a weekly language table for each of our four main languages (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish). These tables provide an opportunity for students to practice their language skills in a more casual setting.
Days and times for each language table change on a semesterly basis, so make sure to ask your language professor or check here each semster for the updated information.
See details for the Fall 2025 semester below:
The Arabic weekly table is open to students who have completed at least 2 semesters of Arabic. Meet students from different classes to talk and discuss various topics. This table is not dialect specific and we encourage students to use whatever dialect they are comfortable with and/or MSA.
For the Fall 2025 semester, the Arabic table will meet on Wednesdays at 4pm in CAL 516.
Questions may be directed to Arabic Program Coordinator Dr. Olla Al-Shalchi (olla@austin.utexas.edu).
Shulchan Ivrit: Hebrew Roundtable
The Hebrew Roundtable is a weekly gathering for students to practice speaking Hebrew in a casual setting.
For the Fall 2025 semester, the Hebrew Roundtable will meet on Tuesdays at 2pm. Location will depend on weather: check @utaustinhebrew on Instagram for location information. Meetings will usually take place at Lucky Lab on San Antonio St.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Avi Blitz (avi.blitz@austin.utexas.edu).
The Persian Table is a weekly informal meeting between Persian learners at the University of Texas at Austin, organized by advanced-level students. The objective of Persian Table meetings is to encourage students to form a community of Persian speakers and practice their language skills in actual conversations, regardless of their level of the language.
There are no currently scheduled meetings of Persian Table for the fall 2025 semester.
Çay Saati: Turkish Tea & Conversation Hour
The Turkish Tea and Conversation Hour is an informal gathering for intermediate, advanced and native/heritage speakers of Turkish on the UT-Austin campus. It aims to facilitate Turkish language practice and foster intercultural friendships. Turkish tea is provided.
For the Fall 2025 semester, the Turkish table will meet on Fridays at 2pm in CAL 516.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Jeannette Okur (jeannette.okur@austin.utexas.edu).