We are Naba and Abrar Alvalla, co-founders of Pâtes et Parle, and we are delighted to meet you! We arrived in Montreal from Toronto in April 2023 and quickly fell in love with this city—while facing a major challenge: we didn't speak French.

Our own journey has led us to a simple conviction: language is not only learned in classrooms; it grows through shared connections and experiences within the community. It is this idea that gave rise to Pâtes et Parle.

We then understood that, in order to learn a language, what is necessary above all else is desire. But desire cannot exist without love. Well, yes, we discovered a little piece of Quebec, and now it has a place in our hearts.

We have created a "third space," a welcoming place where people learn French through culture, conversation, and a sense of belonging. This human and inclusive approach has been recognized: in September 2025, Pâtes et Parle had the honor of receiving the Montreal French Language Award!

At the heart of our community, everyone has something to offer—and always something to learn.