This forum has a Chat feature, where you can get into live contact with other users currently online.
As a new user you have to reach trust level 1 to use the chat feature.
See New User restrictions for more details.
This is a bit inconvenient for you, but protects the community from spam and trolls.
When you have access to the Chat, you will see the channels in the navigation bar and also beside your profile picture top right.
Chat channels have a speech bubble icon 
.