Top 20 Vocabulary Singapore | Making Friends at a Community Event

Making Friends at a Community Event: what to say first

“Hi, it’s my first time here. Can I join this activity?” is a useful opening when you visit a Singapore community event. Ask the organiser whether registration is needed, confirm the venue and session, then introduce yourself through a shared interest. If someone says “Got space?” they are asking about room; if they say “jio” they may mean an invitation. You can understand everyday Singapore expressions without imitating an accent.

In Singapore, Community Clubs (CCs), Residents’ Networks (RNs) and other groups arrange activities where residents may meet through sports, culture, arts and volunteering. This visitor’s guide offers 20 expressions with meanings, example questions, ten realistic role-plays and ten FAQs. Participation rules differ by event: seeing a public poster is not the same as getting an individual seat at a registered workshop.

The most helpful approach is simple: check whether you may join, ask where to go, thank people who assist you, and leave space for another person to decline an invitation or a photograph. English, Simplified Chinese, Hindi and Russian versions use the same word numbers, so you can learn from whichever explanation feels clearest. These fictional dialogues show possible replies, not guarantees of how any actual event will operate.

English · 简体中文 · हिन्दी · Русский

Twenty useful expressions at a glance · Twenty expressions explained with real-life context · Before going: verify who is running the activity · Ten practical conversations to rehearse · Turn the word list into one confident visit · Ten common questions about community-event conversations · Official sources and language notes · Continue learning the language of everyday Singapore

Twenty useful expressions at a glance

№ / Term	Meaning / 意思 / अर्थ / Значение
1. Community club (CC)	Neighbourhood venue for activities and courses
2. Residents’ Network (RN)	Local grassroots group connecting residents
3. Community event	A gathering built around a shared activity
4. Programme	Event schedule or organised activity
5. Sign up / Register	Record participation through the required process
6. Walk-in	Arrival without prior booking
7. Slot / Session	An available place or particular period of activity
8. Venue	Exact room, hall or activity location
9. Volunteer	Someone who gives time to help an event
10. Organiser	Person or group responsible for an event
11. First time here	A gentle way to say you are new
12. Can join?	A request to participate
13. Got space?	A question about remaining room or places
14. Jio	Informal: invite somebody along
15. Kaki	Informal: companion with a shared interest
16. Paiseh	Informal: embarrassed or apologetic
17. Steady	Informal: good, reliable or well done
18. Makan	Malay-derived local word for eating
19. Is a photo okay?	Check personal permission to photograph
20. Keep in touch?	Ask, without pressure, about future contact

Read 1–10 for finding and joining an organised event, then 11–20 for talking comfortably with people. These terms are a practical selection, not a ranked linguistic frequency list. Some are standard English, some are names of Singapore organisations, and some are informal Singlish or words borrowed into local speech.

Twenty expressions explained with real-life context

1. Community club (CC)

In Singapore, a community club or community centre is often shortened to CC. Such venues offer courses, sports, arts, neighbourhood activities and other services. A CC is a place, not proof that every activity held there is free or open without booking. Ask which event is happening, where to go, and whether a visitor may participate.

Say the full request if the shorthand is unfamiliar: ‘Is this event at the community club?’ PA describes CCs as shared spaces for residents of different backgrounds. A course instructor, a grassroots group and the building staff may have distinct responsibilities, so check which person handles your question.

Say this: “Is this event at the community club?”

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2. Residents’ Network (RN)

Residents’ Network, shortened to RN, names a grassroots organisation working to connect neighbours in a designated area. It is not the name of a train network or a private social-media group. You might see an RN named on a poster for a neighbourhood celebration, craft demonstration or outreach activity.

An RN may organise activities with a CC or other partners; the sign on the room is not necessarily the organiser. Ask ‘Is the Residents’ Network organising it?’ PA distinguishes RNs from the older Residents’ Committees and Neighbourhood Committees. Use the specific name on the event notice rather than calling everything an RC.

Say this: “Is the Residents’ Network organising it?”

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3. Community event

A community event is a gathering that creates opportunities for people to meet through a shared activity. It could involve a walk, cultural celebration, sports game, workshop or family programme. ‘Community’ describes the purpose, not a guarantee that every passer-by can participate immediately.

A useful opening is ‘What is happening at this community event?’ A public festival may have open areas but registered activities within it. Keep separate the entrance to the place, the eligibility of the activity and its schedule. The organiser’s current notices—not assumptions from a poster photo—tell you what is available.

Say this: “What is happening at this community event?”

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4. Programme

Programme can mean the event’s schedule or the organised activity itself. A programme might have a start time, sequence of sessions and instructions for participants. ‘Where can I see the programme?’ asks for a reliable overview before you join. Not every programme has a printed booklet; an official page or noticeboard may serve instead.

If the schedule lists a demonstration followed by an activity, ask which parts allow audience participation. Arriving while the instructor is speaking is not automatically permission to enter a full room. Reading the programme also helps you avoid interrupting a group in the middle of a task.

Say this: “Where can I see the programme?”

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5. Sign up / Register

To sign up or register means to record your participation through the specified process. Registration may require eligibility details, booking steps or payment. ‘Do I need to sign up first?’ should come before you assume that seeing a poster reserves a place for you.

onePA lists courses and events and provides booking guidance, but some products have outlet-specific or in-person requirements. Do not assume a foreign visitor can create every account or that a listing automatically guarantees a place. Check what identification and information the actual organiser requires; avoid giving unnecessary personal details to an unofficial link.

Say this: “Do I need to sign up first?”

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6. Walk-in

Walk-in describes someone who arrives without a prior reservation. ‘Are walk-ins allowed today?’ is a question, not a declaration that entry must be granted. The organiser may accept walk-ins for a public booth but require booking for a class in the same hall.

If the answer is no, try ‘Is there another session?’ rather than arguing that the event was advertised publicly. Some places have capacity, age, residence or safeguarding rules. Ask for the correct channel and thank the staff, even if no immediate place is available.

Say this: “Are walk-ins allowed today?”

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7. Slot / Session

A slot is a place or bookable time; a session is a particular period of activity. The difference matters: someone may tell you a ‘slot’ is available for a later ‘session’. Ask ‘Which session has places left?’ followed by the exact date, start time and location.

A series of classes is not necessarily a single free visit. A place on a waiting list is not a confirmed slot. If an event runs from 2 to 5 pm, that does not mean every workshop inside it starts at 2 pm. Repeat the chosen session back so both you and the organiser agree.

Say this: “Which session has places left?”

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8. Venue

Venue means the specific location of the activity, which might be a hall, meeting room, outdoor court or RN centre. The venue is more precise than the name of the community club. ‘Where exactly is the venue?’ is useful when you have found the building but not the event.

Ask for the floor, room name, nearest entrance and step-free access if relevant. A physical event could move due to weather or setup, so check the current notice. Avoid sharing an unverified map pin with friends as if you had confirmed the room.

Say this: “Where exactly is the venue?”

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9. Volunteer

A volunteer contributes time or skills to help organise, support or deliver an activity. Volunteers may wear an identifier, but do not assume everybody wearing a lanyard can make registration decisions. A useful courteous opener is ‘Are you one of the volunteers?’ followed by a concise request.

PA explicitly describes grassroots volunteers as people who help residents meet and connect. Thank the person for their time and let them refer you to the organiser if the issue falls outside their role. If you want to volunteer yourself, ask about registration, duties, safety and commitment rather than joining a task without a briefing.

Say this: “Are you one of the volunteers?”

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10. Organiser

The organiser is the person or group responsible for running a particular event. This can differ from the venue owner, instructor or volunteer welcoming people at the door. ‘Who is the organiser I should speak to?’ is the right question when you need an authoritative answer about registration, access or photos.

For a schedule change, contact the organiser listed on the official event notice. For the building’s lift or toilet, a venue staff member may be better placed. Matching a question to the right person makes a conversation efficient and avoids pressuring a friendly volunteer to promise something they cannot control.

Say this: “Who is the organiser I should speak to?”

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11. First time here

‘It’s my first time here’ is a natural way to tell others you are unfamiliar with the group. You do not need to apologise for being new. Say ‘Hi, it’s my first time here. What should I do first?’ and let the next question establish the activity rather than asking people to infer what you need.

A friendly introduction can include your first name and a shared interest: ‘I enjoy painting, so I wanted to try this workshop.’ You need not disclose your full address, job, immigration status or phone number to make small talk. Ask another participant about the activity, not intrusive personal matters.

Say this: “It’s my first time here.”

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12. Can join?

‘Can join?’ is a short conversational version of ‘May I join?’ or ‘Can I join this activity?’ It is understandable in many everyday Singapore exchanges, but the answer depends on eligibility and actual available space. It is not polite to interpret silence as permission to step into a group game or private conversation.

Look for a natural pause, ask one specific question and accept the response: ‘Can I join this table for the craft activity?’ If there is a waiting list, ask for the process. A ‘can’ from one participant may be friendly but not override an organiser’s safety or capacity instruction.

Say this: “Can I join this activity?”

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13. Got space?

‘Got space?’ means ‘Is there room?’ in informal everyday speech. It might concern an empty chair or the number of places left in a session. The clearest version is ‘Got space for one more in this activity?’ rather than assuming the person knows which space you mean.

A visible empty seat may be reserved for someone registered, for equipment or for accessibility. Ask the facilitator before moving it. If staff say a session is full, ‘Is another time available?’ is more productive than pointing to an unoccupied chair.

Say this: “Got space for one more?”

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14. Jio

Jio is informal Singapore usage meaning to invite or ask someone along. You might hear ‘Why never jio me?’ when a friend jokingly asks why they were not invited. Its tone depends on familiarity, so you can understand it without using it with a stranger you have just met.

A clear visitor-friendly alternative is ‘Would you like to join us next time?’ When you invite someone, give a real activity, date and choice, not a vague obligation. If the details are unconfirmed, say that you will check. An invitation should be easy to decline without embarrassment.

Say this: “Would you like to join us next time?”

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15. Kaki

Kaki is a colloquial word for a companion or buddy, especially someone who shares an activity: ‘badminton kaki’ or ‘makan kaki’. It does not automatically mean a close friend and is not a formal title to put in an email to a public agency.

You might ask a familiar group member, ‘Do you have a regular walking kaki?’ or say ‘I’m looking for people to practise badminton with.’ Shared hobbies build conversation, but consent and comfort matter more than adopting a local word. Do not pressure a new acquaintance to become your weekly partner.

Say this: “Would you like to be my badminton kaki?”

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16. Paiseh

Paiseh is an informal word used to express embarrassment, awkwardness or an apologetic feeling. At an event, ‘Paiseh, I didn’t catch that’ can gently introduce a request for clarification. Its tone varies; a sincere standard-English ‘Sorry, could you repeat that?’ is equally effective.

Use it for a small misunderstanding, not to minimise an important harm or a formal complaint. If you step into a line accidentally, say what happened and move to the right place. Your repair should include the action needed, not rely on one local expression to solve everything.

Say this: “Paiseh, I didn’t catch the instructions.”

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17. Steady

Steady can be an informal approving response meaning ‘good’, ‘solid’ or ‘reliable’, depending on the speaker. ‘Steady, thanks for helping me!’ may work between friendly participants. It is not an instruction that a volunteer must promise a task or a judgement about someone’s character.

Understanding the word helps you read a relaxed response, but simple ‘Thank you, that really helped’ always works. Avoid performing enthusiasm when someone is explaining an important safety instruction. Matching tone to the situation matters more than collecting slang.

Say this: “Steady, thanks for helping me!”

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18. Makan

Makan is Malay for ‘eat’ and appears naturally in Singapore’s mixed-language conversation. A ‘makan break’ is an eating break; the same expression is familiar beyond Singapore. At an event, ‘Is there a makan break later?’ is an optional friendly way to ask about refreshments.

Do not assume food will be served or free. If food is offered, ask the organiser what it contains and whether a suitable option exists for your dietary or religious requirements. A label such as ‘vegetarian’ and formal halal certification are not interchangeable. Thank the host without taking more than is offered.

Say this: “Is there a makan break later?”

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19. Is a photo okay?

‘Is a photo okay?’ asks a practical, human question about including people or their work in your picture. An open community event is not a blanket personal invitation to film everyone or post their images online. Someone can welcome a photo of the activity but ask to be left out.

Ask separately before sharing a recognisable photo online, especially when children are present, and respect event notices. Singapore’s PDPC guidance distinguishes legal questions from good practice; asking permission is a respectful default even where a legal exception may be relevant. Offer to take a picture of an object alone if a person prefers not to be photographed.

Say this: “Is it okay if I take a photo?”

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20. Keep in touch?

‘Keep in touch?’ asks whether another person wishes to continue contact after the event. This is an invitation, not a request for entitlement to their number or social profile. It can be more comfortable to suggest ‘Maybe we’ll meet at the next activity’ before exchanging private details.

If the other person declines, acknowledge it without asking why. You may prefer an official interest group or publicly announced next event instead of sharing private contact information. Friendship develops through repeated, reciprocal interactions; one cheerful conversation does not create an obligation to stay connected.

Say this: “Would you like to keep in touch?”

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Before going: verify who is running the activity

Find the organiser’s latest notice and identify the venue, eligibility and booking requirements. PA describes community spaces and grassroots organisations; onePA offers a way to explore events and courses, but requirements vary. Make a note of the date, time and room. A helpful message to yourself reads: “Sunday, 3 pm, hall entrance; confirm walk-in permission.” The example time is fictional, not a current event listing. Bring only the items the organiser requests and check whether the activity is suitable for your situation.

At the entrance: ask one clear question

Start by saying “Hi, it’s my first time here” and asking “Should I register at this desk?” A volunteer may direct you to a staff member; a smile from another visitor does not automatically create a place on a full session. If the person answers quickly, repeat the crucial detail: “The second session, at four?” Ask again rather than walking to the wrong room. Respect queues, accessibility arrangements and any specific safety briefing.

During the activity: build conversation naturally

Choose a shared subject instead of an intrusive question: “Have you tried this activity before?” “Which part did you enjoy?” “Can you show me the first step?” Let the other person talk. When someone uses “kaki” or “steady”, respond to the meaning without forcing yourself to use slang. Avoid assumptions about language, citizenship or religion based on an accent or appearance. If you do not hear an instruction, “Sorry, could you repeat that?” is more valuable than pretending to understand.

Afterwards: invite without pressure

Ask for permission before photography and clarify whether an image may be posted. To invite someone to another activity, specify the plan and give them an easy option to decline. “We might come again next Saturday; would you like the public event link?” is gentler than asking for a phone number immediately. If the answer is no, thank them and end pleasantly. A good first meeting is a comfortable exchange, not a commitment to a new friendship.

Ten practical conversations to rehearse

The following conversations are invented for practice. They do not describe a current event, a confirmed opening, a specific organiser’s policy or a guaranteed answer. Switch roles, because understanding the reply matters as much as forming your question.

1. Finding the activity

Visitor: “Hi, is this the community club event?”
Volunteer: “Yes. Which activity are you looking for?”
Visitor: “The art workshop. Which room is it in?”

Why it works: First identify the programme and the correct room. A community club may host multiple simultaneous activities, so a general sign at the entrance might not lead straight to your group.

2. Registration versus walk-in

Visitor: “Can I join as a walk-in?”
Organiser: “This session needs registration. Please check with the desk.”
Visitor: “Thanks. Is another session available?”

Why it works: The visitor does not confuse being welcomed to the building with confirmation of a workshop seat. If advance registration is required, ask the correct channel instead of arguing.

3. A place and an exact time

Visitor: “Got space for one more?”
Volunteer: “There is a later slot, but this one is full.”
Visitor: “What time does the next session begin?”

Why it works: An empty area is not the same thing as a bookable place. Ask the date and start time of the next confirmed session, and check whether that slot is really available.

4. Introducing yourself

Visitor: “Hi, it’s my first time here. I’m new to the area.”
Neighbour: “Welcome. Would you like to sit here?”
Visitor: “Thank you! What are we doing first?”

Why it works: A simple statement that you are new invites help without demanding anyone’s attention. Talk about the shared activity before revealing personal details.

5. Understanding the instructions

Visitor: “Paiseh, I didn’t catch the last step.”
Facilitator: “No problem. We’ll go through it again.”
Visitor: “Thank you. Should I start with this piece?”

Why it works: Paiseh softens a request to hear the instruction again. The visitor identifies the missing step and obtains a usable answer rather than pretending to understand.

6. Joining a group activity

Visitor: “Can I join your team for this game?”
Participant: “We have room for one more.”
Visitor: “Great. What are the rules?”

Why it works: Asking at a natural pause protects the group’s flow. A participant’s friendly answer still needs to fit the organiser’s rules and any safety instruction.

7. Inviting someone later

Visitor: “Our group may go for another walk next week. Want to join?”
Neighbour: “Maybe! Can you share the details?”
Visitor: “Sure, I’ll ask the organiser for the confirmed time.”

Why it works: An invitation can be friendly without being a promise. Confirm the plan with the organiser and allow the other person to choose freely.

8. Checking food arrangements

Visitor: “Is there a makan break?”
Volunteer: “There may be refreshments. Please check the event notice.”
Visitor: “Thanks. I need to ask about ingredients before eating.”

Why it works: The visitor checks whether food is offered rather than assuming it. Ingredient, allergy or religious-diet questions should go to someone who knows the preparation.

9. Asking about a photograph

Visitor: “Is it okay if I take a photo of our craft table?”
Participant: “Yes, but please leave me out of the picture.”
Visitor: “Of course. I won’t include anyone without asking.”

Why it works: The participant’s limit is accepted immediately. Asking before posting a recognisable person’s image is a separate courtesy from simply taking a photo.

10. Keeping in touch comfortably

Visitor: “I enjoyed chatting. Would you like to keep in touch?”
Neighbour: “I’d rather meet at the next event.”
Visitor: “No problem. It was nice meeting you!”

Why it works: The person declines to exchange private contact information; that is a complete answer. The visitor keeps the interaction pleasant and does not demand a reason.

Turn the word list into one confident visit

For the first minute, practise confirming the venue and whether registration is required. For the second, say that you are new and ask what happens first. In the third minute, ask to join one activity and listen to a reply. In the fourth, practise saying that you did not hear a step and requesting a repeat. In the fifth, thank your partner, ask about the next publicly announced session and finish without demanding contact details.

Next, reverse the roles. Give the visitor an unexpected but reasonable answer, such as “this session is full”, “photos are not allowed” or “we are still confirming the time”. The visitor should respond by asking for a feasible next action. Fluency is not a performance of local slang: it is the ability to understand the situation and make the other person comfortable.

Imagine a fictional craft event. You have not registered, and there are two sessions. The first is full, the second may have room. A volunteer directs you to the organiser, who confirms the second session and explains the fee, if any. You join, learn a technique and chat about the shared hobby. Before leaving, you ask permission to photograph only your craft piece. This sequence shows a successful visit without assuming that every pleasant conversation must end in an exchange of phone numbers.

Five quick questions with explained answers

1. Does CC automatically mean a free event? No. CC identifies a venue or institution. Check the particular programme’s cost, registration and participation requirements.

2. If someone says “Got space?”, what must you clarify? Whether they mean an empty seat, available registration place or a particular session. A visible chair does not prove an event slot is open.

3. Is jio an obligation to accept an invitation? No. It is informal invitation language. A person may politely decline, and the inviter should respect that.

4. Can you post a new acquaintance’s picture because an event is public? Do not assume so. Ask about photography and sharing, observe the organiser’s rules and respect an individual who does not want to appear.

5. What if you do not catch the instructions? Say “Sorry, could you repeat the last step?” or a gentle “Paiseh, I didn’t catch that.” Then confirm what action is required.

A model meeting without a forced friendship

I found the community event listed on onePA, then checked whether visitors could register. At the community club, a volunteer directed me to the correct room. ‘It’s my first time here,’ I said, and asked for the first instruction. When I missed a step, I asked the facilitator to repeat it. I enjoyed the workshop and chatted with another participant about our shared interest. Before taking a photo, I asked whether they wanted to appear in it. We said we might meet at a future public event. The conversation felt friendly because nobody had to give more personal information than they wished. This is fictional educational writing, not a report of a particular organiser or participant.

Ten common questions about community-event conversations

1. Can a tourist join a Singapore community event?

Some activities welcome visitors, while others have registration, eligibility, age or capacity requirements. Check the event details or ask the organiser. There is no universal permission based solely on being at a CC.

2. Are Community Clubs and Residents’ Networks the same?

No. A CC is a community venue and service setting, while an RN is a grassroots organisation serving a local area. They may collaborate on events. Use the precise organiser name displayed.

3. Must I use Singlish to make friends?

No. Friendly, clear English and considerate listening are sufficient. Recognising jio, kaki or paiseh helps you understand people; forcing slang can sound unnatural or inappropriate.

4. Does walk-in mean I can join immediately?

No. It means arriving without an earlier reservation. The activity may have no available walk-in places, or may require booking. Ask politely and consider another session.

5. Is an event listing a confirmed reservation?

No. Checking a listing and booking a place are different. Follow the actual registration process and confirm any conditions or payment required for your participation.

6. How do I ask someone to repeat something?

“Sorry, could you repeat the last instruction?” names the problem clearly. Paiseh may soften it informally, but the direct sentence works across formal and casual settings.

7. Can I ask someone to be my kaki?

Kaki suggests a hobby companion, not automatic friendship. Ask about the shared activity and whether they are comfortable participating again; do not pressure someone you have only just met.

8. Will there always be food at the event?

No. Ask whether refreshments are offered and whether there are ingredients or preparation details you need to check. Do not assume a food label settles an allergy or religious requirement.

9. Can I take and publish photos of other participants?

Ask before taking or sharing identifiable people’s images, follow notices and respect their preferences. Legal requirements depend on circumstances; this is courtesy guidance, not a legal permission ruling.

10. How do I stay in touch without being intrusive?

Offer an official public event link or suggest meeting at a future open activity. If another person does not want to exchange private details, accept their choice politely.

Official sources and language notes

The People’s Association describes the roles of Community Clubs, Residents’ Networks and volunteer organisations. onePA offers information about courses and events, including different booking arrangements. The PDPC’s photo guidance addresses legal circumstances; asking a person’s permission remains a respectful practice. These sources are linked for readers to verify the current details of a specific event.

People’s Association — Community Clubs

People’s Association — Residents’ Network

People’s Association — Join Your Community

People’s Association — Grassroots Volunteering

onePA — Find Events

onePA — Frequently Asked Questions

PDPC — Guidance on photographs and videos

Singapore Tourism Board — Singlish reference

Singapore Global Network — Local speech and makan

eduKate — The Full Singapore Dictionary: Singlish

eduKate — How Community Clubs Work in Singapore

eduKate — Singapore Vocabulary Learning Hub

Continue learning the language of everyday Singapore

Meeting an Uncle or Auntie · At a Hawker Centre · Meeting Local Neighbours · Visiting a Local Home · Joining a Family Meal

How Community Clubs Work in Singapore · eduKate Vocabulary Learning Hub

Practise one clear question, one appreciative reply and one graceful way to accept “no”. Those three skills create far more opportunities for friendship than trying to sound local in every sentence.

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