You don't just learn a language. You become part of a human social organism for which the language is the life blood, and then you live as part of that social organism by means of that language. I've urged that you let a segment of your old community launch you into your new community and become part of the new community in a sane and gentle manner. You are gently pushed and gently pulled, and you do your part as well. There is no such thing as lonely language learning.
Language learning starts with community and ends with community.
Each language and culture is a marvelous expression of humanity, another facet of the same jewel. It is an awesome privilege to be able to express one's humanity in new ways. Culture travelers, especially long term sojourners who learn new languages, are a privileged lot. If you have the opportunity, make the most of it. This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library , Version 3.5, published on CD-ROM by SIL International , 1999.