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Spanish speakers share love of languageThe Hampton Roads Online Spanish Language Meetup Group boasts 58 members and is growing fast. These Spanish speakers of all levels are not confined to cyberspace; native speakers and those studying the language at all levels gather at area restaurants one day each month to speak Spanish, share a love of Latin culture and make new friends. Ten people attended the most recent gathering at Imperia Inca Restaurant in Norfolk on Nov. 6. The Meetup is the brainchild of Victor Celania of Virginia Beach, who also organizes the Swing Dancing Meetup. Celania decided to bring the Spanish Language Meetup to Hampton Roads after attending a similar Meetup in Washington DC. Hampton Roads has had an official Spanish Language Meetup group in the past, but the group was defunct until Celania revitalized it in September. Meetup members include Spanish teachers, people who once studied the Spanish language and are trying to revive their skills, and Hispanic people who have just moved to the area and are hoping to meet new people. Meetup members have previously gathered at Teresita's Latino Bar and Grill in Virginia Beach. Each Meetup event has drawn more new members than returning members. The group hopes to attract more native Spanish speakers to its future events to keep bad grammar and off-key accents in check. |
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