This is the 147th most frequent Finnish word.
keskustella
To discuss or to converse.
Here, 'keskustelivat' is used as a verb in past tense to mean 'discussed', specifying the topic as 'työprojektista' ('about a work project').
He keskustelivat työprojektista pitkään.
They discussed the work project for a long time.
In this instance, 'keskustelemaan' is in its infinitive form to express potential communication, describing its proactive encouragement by the teacher.
Opettaja rohkaisi oppilaita keskustelemaan toistensa kanssa.
The teacher encouraged the students to have a discussion with each other.
Here, 'keskustella' is used in its infinitive form within a query to request permission or availability for discussion, emphasizing the potential action in the future.