Cultural Heritage

This fall and winter, L’École Buissonnière invites you to a monthly Café Littéraire, a French conversation class rooted in literature, seasonal culture, and thoughtful exchange.
Inspired by French cafés as places of ideas, debate, and imagination, these gatherings offer a slow, intimate approach to the French language.
Each 90-minute session opens a thematic doorway through short literary texts, guided conversation, and gentle creative practices.
The focus is not performance or fluency at all costs, but presence, curiosity, and pleasure in thinking together.
Each month highlights a seasonal cultural moment in France, including traditions that shape language and collective imagination.

Toussaint: Memory & Invisible Connections
La Toussaint : honorer les absents
Explore French traditions of remembrance, the symbolism of flowers and cemeteries, and the ways literature, photography, and seasonal rituals keep memory alive across generations.

Spanish Language & Culture in Northern Spain

What can Asturias teach us about Spain’s history, culture, and identity?

Join us for an immersive summer program in Oviedo, Spain, exploring the rich history, art, literature, and contemporary culture of Asturias. Through cultural experiences, course discussions, and exploration of northern Spain, you’ll examine how Spanish identity has evolved from pre-Roman times to today.

Along the way, you’ll strengthen your Spanish language skills, building fluency, vocabulary, writing, and confidence while engaging with authentic Spanish-language materials and everyday life in Spain.

Designed for students ready to go beyond the typical study abroad experience, this program is ideal for students interested in Spanish language, literature, history, art, culture, and international studies.

Program Dates: June 27–July 30, 2027
Course: SPAN 301, 302, 303 (12 credits)
Prerequisite: SPAN 203 or equivalent proficiency

View Program Details

Join Sharon Gan, founder of Heart Strings Mandarin, for a program specially designed for young learners. We will sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories. We welcome all levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers. Recommended for ages 2-5 years. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis.

欢迎参加心弦中文的中文音乐律动课。
Sharon老师会和小朋友一起唱歌，跳舞，玩乐器，说故事，度过充实的三十分钟。
本课程适合二到五岁的小朋友，各种语言程度都可以参加。
名额有限，请速报名！

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503-697-6580 or visit the Library’s website at www.lopl.org/kids.

ASL Game Night at Sign Language Cafe is always an evening of connection, fun, and inclusivity. Gather for an immersive experience that celebrates the Deaf and signing communities. This family-friendly event offers an array of card and board games, including options created by Deaf artists, providing a unique opportunity to explore creative contributions from within the community. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games to share, fostering a diverse and exciting environment.

The cafe setting provides an accessible and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families and individuals alike to engage in spirited competition, learn new games, and make lasting connections. In addition, the Sign Language Cafe offers a space for Deaf and hearing individuals to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, supporting community bonds through shared interests.

Attending and participating in ASL Game Night, you’ll contribute to a culture of inclusivity and support both CymaSpace’s mission and the wider Deaf community. Join and connect over your favorite games, and help build a more inclusive Portland.

Portland Cantonese Play + Learnonce a month on saturdays | 10:00 am - 12:00 PM | free | SCHThe mission of Portland Cantonese Play + Learn is to connect Cantonese-speaking families by providing a nurturing environment where young children can develop strong language skills and deepen their connection to Cantonese culture. Through interactive language lessons, cultural activities, and community engagement, we empower families to celebrate and preserve their heritage while fostering bilingualism in the next generation.Join us for a once-a month gathering, complete with a language activity, storytime, crafts + open play!Dates:October 18November 22

Ever wondered about the origin of the modern Norwegian language? Like most Scandinavian languages, it derives from Old Norse, and modern Icelandic is almost the same as Old Norse. The Old Norse Conversation Group practices speaking Icelandic and talks about culture, grammar and vocabulary, some history and current events. We are not a language class. We are more of a social gathering where Icelandic and Norwegian language origins are explored in an informal and entertaining setting. We meet every 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Norse Hall in the downstairs dining area. Anyone interested is welcome to join us. For more information and to join our email list, please contact Nord Njordur F. Winnan at [email protected].

Ready to fall in love with the rhythm, depth, and poetic cadence of Spanish? Join us at L'école buissonnière for an immersive course, conducted entirely in Spanish for advanced speakers, that explores how art shapes our world.

Each 120-minute session (with a cozy 10-minute break) is a laboratory of expression. We break down the walls between subjects, approaching several distinct topics in every class to give you a fuller sense of Latin American identity.

Through the lens of culture, we dive into literature, music, painting, film, and more. You'll explore the minds of masters like Julio Cortázar and Violeta Parra, among others, and discover the psychological and historical weight behind their masterpieces.

Through interactive exercises, you'll practice reading, writing, and speaking. The heart of our class lies in conversation circles, giving you the floor to engage in deep, meaningful debates.
Come stretch your fluency, satisfy your curiosity, and experience the pulse of Latin American culture!

Limited to 10 participants.

Oct 7 — On Tears & Gratitude
Julio Cortázar, «Instrucciones para llorar» · Violeta Parra, «Gracias a la vida»

Oct 21

Nov 11

Nov 25

Dec 9

Jan 6

Jan 20

Feb 10

Feb 24

When: Twice monthly on Wednesdays, October 7 – February 24

Time: 5:30–7:30 pm

Where: L'École buissonnière, above Mother Foucault's Bookshop

Level: Advanced

Instructor: Consuelo Miranda Albónico, a Chilean native, a writer, a language admirer, a pet lover, and a music devotee.

Group size: Up to 10

Price per class: $50

Sign Squad is a popular, inclusive weekly American Sign Language (ASL) meetup where Deaf individuals, beginners, and experienced signers gather to socialize and practice signing. It is an all-ages, no-pressure environment.

The Sign Squad community meets at Woodstock Cafe, a beloved gathering space for the local Deaf community, famous for taking orders in sign language and providing an accessible, welcoming environment. Affectionately called the Sign Language Cafe, Woodstock café offers a space for Deaf and hearing individuals to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, supporting community bonds through shared interests.

By attending and participating in Sign Squad, you’ll contribute to a culture of inclusivity and support both CymaSpace’s mission and the wider Deaf community. All skill levels are welcome to come learn, chat, and participate.

View the schedules for our weekly and bi-weekly language conversation groups, Nordic Knitting Circle, and the Language Conversation Groups.

This event repeats every week on Monday.

Join Sharon Gan, founder of Heart Strings Mandarin, for a program specially designed for young learners. We will sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories. We welcome all levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers. Recommended for ages 2-5 years. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis.

欢迎参加心弦中文的中文音乐律动课。
Sharon老师会和小朋友一起唱歌，跳舞，玩乐器，说故事，度过充实的三十分钟。
本课程适合二到五岁的小朋友，各种语言程度都可以参加。
名额有限，请速报名！

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503-697-6580 or visit the Library’s website at www.lopl.org/kids.

Sidelined Signers at the Sign Language Cafe is a new group for beginners to intermediate ASL signers looking for help to get off the sidelines. No need to be shy, enjoy a supportive signing experience that focuses on connection, fun, and inclusivity.

The Sign Language Cafe offers a space for Deaf and hearing individuals to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, supporting community bonds through shared interests. It's an accessible and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families and individuals alike.

By attending and participating in Sidelined Signers, you’ll contribute to a culture of inclusivity and support both CymaSpace’s mission and the wider Deaf community. Join and practice your sign language skills. All are welcome.