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 Spring 2026 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 Spring 2026 semester, the Arabic Table will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-2pm in CAL 516.
The Arabic program is also running a spring film series; details can be found on our events page.
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 Spring 2026 semester, the Hebrew Roundtable will meet on Thursdays at 2pm at Texas Hillel.
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 spring 2026 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 Spring 2026 semester, the Turkish table will meet the following dates/times:
Friday, Feb. 13, 2-3 pm
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 3-4 pm
Friday, Mar. 6, 2-4 pm (film screening)
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 3-4 pm
Friday, Mar. 27, 2-3 pm
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 3-4 pm
Monday, Apr 6, 2-3pm
Friday, Apr. 17, 2-3 pm
Wednesday, Apr. 22, 3-4 pm
Monday, Apr. 27, 2-3 pm
Questions may be directed to Dr. Jeannette Okur (jeannette.okur@austin.utexas.edu).