T-R PHOTO BY ANNA SHEARER A group of people seek to overcome the language barrier during Conversation Circles at the Marshalltown Public Library.

Many in Marshalltown and elsewhere have experienced the divide that speaking different languages can create. Conversation Circles, a group that meets at the Marshalltown Public Library, believes this can be overcome with a little understanding.

At the most recent meeting, the group discussed topics ranging from the Democratic debates to romance novels over the course of an hour. Yet all conversation shared the same goal of giving people the space to practice their English.

Catherine Noble, an employee of the Marshalltown Public Library and the organizer of this group, believes Conversation Circles also helps people create connections in Marshalltown.

“Basically, we’re practicing English, but we’re also creating a network.” Noble said.

Conversation Circles has been meeting for about two years now and is open to everyone. The group consists of English speaking volunteers and people who want to practice their English. They have had as many as 17 participants but usually fall somewhere around 10. Many come from the English as a Second Language classes through Iowa Valley Continuing Education. Participants have been from Mexico, Cuba, India, Myanmar, and Spain.

The group meets every Thursday from one to two in the library’s cafe. Noble uses a computer and a screen to aid in communication. She types words into Google Translate and pulls up pictures to make sure everyone understands.

Noble thinks this group can create a community for those who share similar experiences.

“Another hope with this group is for you to be a resource to each other,” she said to participants.

This is especially important because many places are not accessible to people who speak little English.

Jose Castro of Marshalltown, a bilingual participant in Conversation Circles, recounted a time when he had to step in as a translator. While visiting the driver’s license station, he witnessed Spanish-speaking customers struggle to communicate with the employee. They would have been turned away if Castro had not been there to help.

“Communication is important and it’s a barrier,” he said.

The participants in Conversation Circles seek to weaken this barrier as much as possible.

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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com.