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1. How old were you when you had your first English lesson? Did you enjoy it? Why?
2. You are studying English now. Do you see this as a hobby, as a necessity or as both? If you answered “as a hobby”, why do you enjoy studying English? If you answered “as a necessity”, why is it necessary in your life? If you answered “both” please explain.
3. There are many approaches to learning English available to learners in Japan. These include cram school courses, vocational training courses, Eikawa courses, undergraduate courses, self-study (podcasts, tv, radio and books) and compulsory education courses at high school. Which experiences have helped you the most?
4. What has been your worst experience (losing time or money and getting no-where)?
5. Japan spends over $40 billon dollars a year learning English yet only 3% of the population could give directions to the station. Why is the system so inefficient?
6. Do you think there is a generation of learners who are young now who will do better than your generation at learning English? Why?

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Question 1

In New Zealand we had to study Maori language during elementary school and up to junior high school. I also studied Spanish when I lived in Mexico when I was in my mid-twenties.

Question 2

Studying Te Reo Maori was and still is part of the school curriculum and I needed Spanish to live and communicate.

Question 3

When I learned Spanish I would self-study then go and practice in a bar that I frequented often.

Question 4

I think to forget all the Spanish that I learned as I have not practiced it for almost 10 years.

Question 5

It is a combination of things, I guess.

Question 6

I think so because as international travel is becoming more accessible for the next generation so too does their exposure to other cultures.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
mid-twenties	20代半ば
frequented	頻繁に
accessible	便利