春といえば、日本では新しい始まりです。
このエピソードでは日本の文化と私が今年の春から新しく始めたことについて話しています。

ゆかのにほんごカフェ

#4 春・新しい始まり N3-N1

We took the risk. We said YES to the new job or new home. We are using our English, at last. 

Unfortunately, however, we may find that the reactions of others -- in the workplace or in our home -- are MIXED. 

Some people are proud of us and want to celebrate our success with us. Others, we may be surprised to discover, seem to suddenly DISLIKE us. They may appear to distrust us or seem jealous, envious, or more competitive. Support we may have had just a day before - that helped us get where we find ourselves -- may have suddenly disappeared.

If this has happened to you -- you're not alone. AND there are ways to feel better and get the support and care you seek. 

This is something I wish we spoke more about, for I believe it's a topic that is CRUCIALLY important in the world of language learning. 

I'd love to hear what you think! 

Hear and There

11. What can happen after (and why we may be afraid of) stepping out of our comfort zone

Getting support with AI is great, but it's not the same as working with a teacher. In this audio, I express some of my views on the subject. I'd love to hear what you think!!! 

9. When AI isn't the same as a teacher 

Harriet Rich moved to Valladolid, Mexico from the US, when she retired, about 15 years ago. I stayed at the Airbnb she has there, in 2023. It feels like a blessing to say we’ve been friends ever since. 

These days, we’re playing around with podcasting. Here we are, talking about writing and publishing and more!

10. An interview with Harriet Rich, a self-published fiction writer 

We call it a PHONE - but let's be honest. We rarely use this COMPUTER in our pocket - to make phone calls. And we often forget all the tools that it contains, built right in. Tools that are amazing for working on our English!

I hope this episode helps you get inspired to use your phone as the language partner it is! 

* Please note - I speak very fast in this episode - so it may be challenging to understand everything I say. But I repeat myself a lot, so you don't have to understand it all. I think you will understand the main point. That is what matters! I hope it inspires you to USE your English to LEARN more English - today!

8. The language partner in your pocket 

Writing is great for your speaking, but it's not necessary! What's great about writing is that it gives you a way to LOOK at YOUR words. To see how things really are. Speech-to-text applications or many AI programs allow you SEE the words you SAY. That is so helpful.

It also gives you a way to practice WITHOUT getting feedback - which has some real benefits. 
Listen to hear more! 