Strathmore Language Group returns this month

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

One woman’s desire to familiarize herself with her heritage and learn the German language prompted the creation of the Strathmore Language Group that continues to grow in popularity and gain momentum with local residents.
Stefanie Baggott moved to Strathmore just over three years ago and was aware of various language groups in Calgary. When she noticed a void in town, she began to branch out and seek out native speaking individuals versed in various languages, who would meet to practice languages in a fun way.
From three original members, the group has now grown to roughly 20 members 17 years of age and older, who practice one of five featured languages: German, Spanish, English (ESL), French and Korean.
“Two years go I decided that I was going to learn German because I felt it was part of my heritage and I actually got to go to Germany twice and it was really awesome to be able to practice my German,” said Baggott, the coordinator for the Strathmore Language Group. “I feel the language group has helped a lot actually. It seemed that I was learning new words every week and it helps to be able to speak the language. It’s a good thing and it’s a lot of fun because you get to meet a lot of people. So it started kind of small and then last year it grew a lot.”
The group meets as a large group to discuss topics for that week and then branches off into smaller specific language groups. Topics include ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, booking hotels, food and sports. The group has also participated in a bake-off where individuals had to follow a recipe in the language they were learning, and competed against one another in language Olympics last year.
Grade 12 student Shaelyn Sullivan has her future planned out already. She wants to attend the University of Lethbridge to achieve a teaching degree and then move to Korea. She’s been learning Korean with the group for over a year.
“I now have the ability to converse in conversations a little bit and I’ll be able to get around Korea without struggling,” she said. “I didn’t want to drive all the way to Calgary so when the Strathmore Language Group came up I thought I would go and check it out. It’s been really fun and I’ve met quite a few people that I would never have met outside of it.”
However, Baggott said the initiative not only serves those interested in learning a foreign language but acts as a tool for immigrants learning English as a second language. According to the 41-year-old, roughly six members are learning English as a second language and participating in the group to practice speaking and conversing.
“At first I wasn’t sure how many people would be interested… and now it just seems to be growing all the time,” she said.
“I have a heart for people who are immigrating to Canada and are trying to learn English, and I wanted to help them out as well. They’re really trying to learn English and they’re getting better, but it’s hard when you come to a new country and you don’t speak the language very well.”
Strathmore Language Group meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Strathmore Municipal Library’s small meeting room. The next meeting is Sept. 11. For more information visit the Strathmore Language Group Facebook page.