On May 25th, a well-known website for language sharing and learning, called iTalki, sent a message to its users in Iran informing them that iTalki will no longer provide service in their region beginning in late June. (1)

iTalki is not the largest, nor the most influential company to adjust its policies due to sanctions, but it is symbolic of the true harm that sanctions can cause to cultural exchange. It is a popular platform for language-learners to find conversation partners or teachers, and many young people in Iran make their livelihoods via this website teaching curious Westerners how to speak Persian. Some iTalki members don’t use the platform for commercial purposes at all, but simply to chat with people in another country, practice their language skills and to share tips and cultural insights.

I’ve used the service for many years and made great friends there. Together, we have not only spoken about cultural topics like food, traditions, music, and travel, but we’ve also discussed our personal lives. I spoke with one woman from Shiraz for over two years; she talked about her attempts to get pregnant; I shared the sadness I experienced after my mother’s stroke.

Conversations like these are important; not just for individual enrichment, but also for their national and international reverberations. Communication between people - particularly when it happens in a shared language - helps dispel misconceptions and improves understanding.