Language Tables Frequently Asked Questions

Language Tables provide a low-pressure, supportive environment to practice conversing in the target-language at tables mentored by Language Residents and other native or advanced speakers.

Language Tables take place over the lunch hour (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM), Monday - Friday* in the Blue Room at Frank Dining Hall. 

Participants should proceed to the Oldenborg entrance of Frank Dining Hall, located a few steps east (to the left) of the main entrance

*Language Tables are held whenever classes are in session at Pomona College, starting on the first day of the second week of classes, each semester.

The Language Table schedule is available on the Oldenborg website. Please check for updates as new tables are added early in the semester.

The No-English policy helps maintain an immersive environment that supports language development and prepares participants to use the target-language in real-life situations.

Language Tables are not meant to take the place of a class. For complete beginners Language Tables serve as an essential supplement to formal language instruction.

Each Language Table is mentored by a Language Resident or a Table Mentor who is a native or advanced speaker. It is natural to listen more than speak at first, but when beginners are ready to join the conversation, these - and other - advanced speakers will offer support.

We designate beginner tables each Wednesday for the six languages taught at Pomona College (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish). Additional support and resources will be available for these marked tables on Wednesdays.

Mistakes are expected and are a valuable part of learning. Greeting people, introducing oneself, or simply recognizing words in a conversation in the target language helps build competency. While the first visit may feel intimidating, students find that their confidence grows with regular participation. The goal is to practice both listening and speaking; understanding every word is not required. Join us at Language Tables!

Yes. Because Language Tables take place in Frank Dining Hall during lunch, a meal purchase/card tap is required for entry and participation.

Students who need to record their Language Table participation (for a class or any other reason) must also complete an Exit Swipe/Tap inside the Frank Blue Room after their meal and before exiting.

Students without a meal plan, or with a very restrictive meal plan should follow the instructions in the question below: “What if I don’t have a meal plan?” found in the "For Students" section.

Yes, 5C students are welcome to attend Language Tables. For entry, participants should proceed to the Oldenborg entrance of Frank Dining Hall, located a few steps east (to the left) of the main entrance.

Oldenborg can support 5C students enrolled in Pomona language classes who have very limited or no meal plan:

• Students with 8 or fewer meals per week can have their lunch covered by Oldenborg once per week when attending Language Tables.*
• Students without a meal plan can have their lunch covered by Oldenborg up to twice per week when attending Language Tables.*

*Meals provided by Oldenborg for the purpose of attending weekly tables can only be redeemed at Frank dining hall at lunch. These meals cannot be banked and do not roll over from week to week. Unused Oldenborg-sponsored meals will disappear from the meal plan at the end of each week.

Students in these circumstances should email oldenborg@pomona.edu before their first visit so we can verify their enrollment and meal plan status and provide further instructions.

Language Table attendance is recorded for students enrolled in Pomona language courses and residents of a Language Immersion Community at Lawry Court, through the Exit Tap/Swipe which participants must complete at the end of their meal, inside the Frank Blue Room, before exiting.

Students who attend a Language Table but do not complete the Exit Tap/Swipe will not receive credit for that visit. Please don't forget to the Exit Tap/Swipe!

For non-Pomona language classes, students should determine how attendance will be tracked. If a professor provides a handout to be marked, Oldenborg staff can provide a stamp at the conclusion of your visit at the Exit Tap/Swipe table.

If you live in a Language Immersion Community at Lawry Court, please email oldenborg@pomona.edu to check your attendance.

Language learning requires practice, time, and dedication. We ask that you spend a minimum of 15 minutes at your table.

No. Attendance is recorded once per day, regardless of the number of languages you participate in. 

If you have a Language Table requirement, plan your visits accordingly throughout the semester. It may not be possible to complete all of your required visits if you leave everything until the very end of the semester.

The first tap is to enter the dining hall and to receive lunch. 
The second tap (the Exit Swipe/Tap) is to record participation in Language Tables.

For each visit only students who complete the Exit Swipe/Tap will receive credit for Language Table attendance.

Oldenborg encourages 7C faculty and staff to participate in Language Tables, whether to improve their own language skills or share expertise in a language they already speak.

Please remember that the program primarily serves students learning or practicing a language. Language Tables are a valuable supplement to a class or to prior knowledge; they are not a substitute for formal language instruction.

Oldenborg is pleased to cover faculty and staff meals. Faculty and staff guests must present their College ID card (to verify status) at the Oldenborg Entrance of Frank Dining Hall, located a few steps east of the main entrance.

Community members may attend Language Tables by purchasing a ticket:

• Café 47 (cash or card): $11.75
• Frank Dining HallOldenborg entrance* (card only): $11.75

Language Tables operate entirely in the target-language. We ask all participants to follow the No-English policy to help provide students with a fully immersive language-learning environment.

*The “Oldenborg entrance” is located a few steps east of the main entrance of Frank Dining Hall. Tickets are sold starting at 11:50 AM, Monday–Friday, whenever Language Tables are being held.