5 language & culture exchange community groups in Edinburgh, brought together in one place. Whether you are new to Edinburgh or looking to widen your circle, browse local language & culture exchange groups and find your people.
Showing 5 of 5 Language & Culture Exchange groups in Edinburgh
This group is for anyone interested in Japanese calligraphy (Shodo). We host beginner-friendly workshops where you can experience Japanese culture through brush, ink, and mindful writing. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
Welcome to the New Culture Forum Edinburgh Meetup. Since its formation in 2006, the New Culture Forum has stood for the preservation and flourishing of British culture and heritage, challenging left-wing and liberal orthodoxies that have come to dominate Western institutions and public life. Although not officially aligned with the New Culture Forum team, this meetup serves as a means of gathering those who personally identify with NCF content as reflected by its many videos, reports, books, and events. We aim to regularly discuss and develop the various socio-political insights that have been promulgated by NCF guests and representatives. . Here is a description of NCF aims, as found on their website: “Culture, it is said, is upstream from politics. Certainly, we in the New Culture Forum believe that cultural issues are the defining ones of our time. “More and more people are passionately engaged in these issues, but feel there is no outlet within an atmosphere which is dominated by the existence of a liberal/left groupthink. The triumph of cultural relativism and political correctness in the opinion-forming fields of the media, academia, education and culture has meant that this groupthink has become even more deeply entrenched. The liberal establishment sets the terms of debate. “At a time of threat from extremism, the West finds itself besieged from within and without. Too often our enemies and our opinion-formers appear to agree that Western culture is indefensible or a source purely of shame. “We, however, believe that the West is in fact a unique bastion of reasoned freedom and that Britain in particular should be proud of the great role it has played in Western education, art and culture. “Since it was formed in 2006 the New Culture Forum has been challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, education, and wider British culture. We have forged important relationships within the national political, media and cultural spheres
Looking for an opportunity to use your Japanese in the real world? What better place than an izakaya? Join us at Kome Izakaya for a social evening of Japanese conversation over authentic food and drinks. This is a judgement-free zone designed for one thing: practising your Japanese in a real-world setting. We welcome all levels—from those who have the basics down to seasoned and native speakers—as long as you’re coming with the genuine goal of speaking as much Japanese as you can. And if you're stuck for a word, we're all there to help each other out. There's a 10-attendee limit on the booking for now, but if it's full and you want to come, add yourself to the waitlist. I might be able to increase the numbers nearer the time. お酒を飲むと、もっと日本語が上手になるかも！？乾杯！
Japanese Calligraphy Small group sessions (max. 2 people) 🗓 Friday 10 April / Tuesday 15 April / Friday 17 April / Tuesday 22 April / Friday 24 April / Tuesday 29 April ⏰ 19:00 – 20:15 (75 minutes) 📍Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End Lobby 👘 By Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh 💷 £15 Why do we write beautifully in Japanese calligraphy? Calligraphy is not just about writing — it is a practice that connects the mind, body, and culture. From a neuroscience perspective, the slow and deliberate movement of the brush improves focus, activates fine motor skills, and promotes a meditative state. It allows the brain to slow down, enhancing mindfulness and reducing stress. By learning calligraphy, you also engage with Japanese tradition. Each stroke carries centuries of history, discipline, and aesthetic philosophy. You are not simply writing — you are participating in a cultural legacy. At the same time, you develop practical skills: Brush control and pressure balance Stroke order and composition Spatial awareness and rhythm This workshop also offers a gateway to learning Japanese language. Writing kanji and hiragana by hand deepens your understanding of structure, meaning, and form — far beyond typing on a screen. And of course, your work becomes something tangible. A piece you create can be displayed at home as personal interior art, bringing a sense of calm and beauty into your everyday space. This session’s theme: “Spring” (春) In this workshop, we will explore the beauty of “Spring” through both kanji and hiragana, while learning the fundamental techniques of Japanese calligraphy, such as stroke endings, balance, and flow. What you will gain from this experience: A calm, focused state of mind A deeper connection to Japanese culture Foundational calligraphy skills you can continue to build on A better understanding of written Japanese Your own beautifully crafted artwork to take home Price: £20 per p
Meeting Introduction: Our group welcomes anyone who is interested in the Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese languages or curious about Japanese culture, food, anime or Korean culture, food, K-pop, K-dramas, K-variety shows, and more! 🌟 We invite participants of all language levels, and you don't need to be proficient in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese or English; all you need is the willingness to learn! 💪 How to Join the Meeting: When you arrive at Teviot Row House, please go to the first floor of the building and look for the Writing Room and you’ll find us. At the beginning, introduce yourself and briefly mention your proficiency level in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese or English. 😊 Conversation: Feel free to sit anywhere and chat with others. You can change seats and talk with people you haven't spoken to yet. Enjoy the time learning each other’s languages and sharing cultures! 🥳 We have a limit of 10 participants in Meetup due to some restrictions but our venue supports 25 people so even if there aren't any spots left in Meetup for reservation, please don't hesitate to click "Attend" in our event and we'll know that you're coming. Even if you're in the waitlist we welcome you to join the event, just show up. Or you can send us a message and we will reserve a spot for you😄