LIFELONG LEARNING
Learning anything takes time, sometimes it's fast and other times it's slow. ALL language learning is a lifelong process, I'm a British man who can continue to learn English until the day I die. That's right, I can continue learning my native language forever like some academics do, but that's not right for me. I have enough knowledge to use English and to help others acquire it.
LEARNING UP TO A POINT
Every learner is different, they have different needs and goals although they all require the basics to get started. After the basics, what else do you need? Vocabulary that you will use.
Are you learning English to communicate with foreigners here in Japan? Most foreigners living in Japan want to practice their Japanese or can communicate in Japanese!
Alternatively, when talking to foreign tourists in Japan, your vocabulary would include directions, place names, and small talk topics.
Living overseas? Learn the same as above AND English words related to health, home utilities, and "emergency" vocabulary.
Working overseas? Learn all of the above AND work related vocabulary.
Studying overseas? Learn all of the above AND education related vocabulary.
You don't need to learn vocabulary you will not use, imagine what you want to say in Japanese and that's your target vocabulary. Apply basic grammar with this vocabulary, this is your real starting point of you communicating in English. If you don't understand a word someone has said, ask them what it means!
You can stop with the basics or continue, expanding your topics and vocabulary. Learning English for brain exercise? You can continue for the rest of your life. You could learn so much, you can teach a native English speaker something about their own language, just like Masami does with me.
You only need as much English as you use, and if you don't use it, it's easy to lose it.
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