Some of the best friendships start with two people who barely share a language and a lot of pointing and laughing.

Shared vocabulary is less necessary than it seems. Warmth travels through timing, attention and a willingness to look ridiculous, which is why two people with fifty words between them can end up genuinely close. Fluency makes conversation easier, but it is not the thing that makes people like each other.

If there is someone around you who is still finding their footing in the language, talk to them anyway. Slow down, use your hands, let the gaps be funny rather than awkward. You will both get something out of it that a smoother conversation would not have given you.