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Language Learning
Language learning, like most other acquired knowledge and skills, requires one very basic element: a desire to learn the subject material. Without a genuine interest in any area you decide to study, you will never learn quite as much as you feel you should, no matter how much time and money you put into your studies. 

One of the hardest things to do is to learn something that is of very little interest or practical use to you. We can all appreciate being a young student, especially in Junior and Senior high school, and how resistant we were to everything we were told we had to learn. We always found excuses to dislike teachers or the material because we really didn't care about the subjects being forced upon us. 

Not much changes as we grow older, except perhaps we begin seeing the more practical side to learning something we really have no interest in doing. 

Most people even resist learning the basic fundamentals of their own language. The biggest reason is that when we think of learning the tedious details of specific grammatical points and hard to remember writing rules we feel they are of little benefit to our health and well-being. Thus, learning such specifics is of little motivational interest. 

If you must choose a language to study 
If you are going to study language at any level, there are two things to keep in mind. First, choose a language related to a culture that truly interests you. Second, if you must absolutely study a language because it is a requirement for your job or other responsibilities, then the best thing to do is approach that language through one of your true interests (hopefully your job is one of them). 

In each case, focus on some positive aspect of the target language or culture, and use that as your doorway into that language. 

If you don't like grammar, don't focus on grammar. But if you do like learning lots of new vocabulary, then start with a picture dictionary and work your way up. If your interest is cooking, then I suggest you start learning new recipes in the target language. If you like working with machines, begin by looking at manuals. 

Whatever the reason, begin learning about the things you are already familiar with. This familiarity will help you understand the key concepts behind new words and terminology. 

Pacific-Trades Language Learning: Tertulia Style 
In Spanish, the word Tertulia refers to a gathering of friends and colleagues that meet in a coffee house in order to discuss 
art, literature, philosophy and the socio-political climate of the times, amongst other things. In English, we would refer to it 
as coffee hour. 

Whether you need to study Business English, Open Conversation or need help with your grammar, we feel you should be 
relaxed and enjoy your lessons. Language learning should be a Tertulia, for no where but in the real world, amongst friends 
and colleagues, does language become more alive and meaningful. 

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If in the Tokyo or Chiba area, and looking for private or small group lessons, contact Cross-Cultural-Cafe at info@cross-cultural-cafe.com.