Why the "Kentucky Moment" increases 

​your enthusiasm to study English.

In Japan my wife's question was normal.  In Canada, it was unthinkable. She asked me, “Would you like Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas Dinner?”  

"No thank you", I thought.  But, this was Japan so I shrugged my shoulders and ate Kentucky Fried Chicken. 

However, by the time the third Christmas approached, I was fantasizing about fast-food chicken for Christmas Dinner.  My journey was complete - I had entered the "Kentucky Moment".   At first, I was offended by a Kentucky Christmas, but now, I loved it.   

The “Kentucky moment” is about an attitude that goes from judging to embracing.  

There are Kentucky Moments in language learning, too.  It turns out that language learners who embrace a flexible attitude can significantly increase their language skills, particularly speaking.  

How? 

It all starts with a kernel of popcorn.  

Apply just the right amount of heat for just the right length of time and a single kernel of popcorn will explode into a fluffy white popcorn ball, screaming to be covered with melted butter and salt.  

That kernel of popcorn is a symbol of your potential to learn English.  

And what warmth can we give our kernel of potential to make it erupt into greater - delicious - learning?  

It's the warmth of another culture.  

Connection to a culture is an important tool for increasing motivation for language mastery.  To put it simply, if you cozy up to the culture of the language your are studying, the connection and warmth of that culture will accelerate your language learning.  

And this isn't just my own opinion.  

Robert C. Gardner, a Canadian social psychologist, spent decades researching motivation in language learners.  One result he found over and over again was:

 - People learn a second language better when they connect to the language’s culture -   

So let’s say we have two people learning English.  One learner plugs into the culture of an English speaking culture, the other learner plays it safe and does not.  Most likely the culturally plugged in learner will become a better speaker than the culturally unplugged learner.  

And, after 17 years of living in another country, I completely agree.  

We’re not studying a universal subject like math, we're studying the most intimate expression of a culture - language.   

If you emotionally connect with that culture through language you will be energized to learn whatever language you need to enjoy that connection.   I've seen it over and over again in my students.  

That, in itself, is a brilliant reason to search for the warmth of another culture.  But, there is a deeper, more intimate reason for mixing with another culture. 

I experienced a surprise when I came to Japan.  It was almost the same surprise I experienced when I watch the movie, The Sixth Sense.  I thought I would learn about the mysteries of Japanese culture, and I did.  However, the surprise ending was that I was learned more about my culture, Canadian culture. 

Let’s think about this for a moment - I came to Japan expecting to learn about Japan but I learned more about Canada.  Which really means, I learned more about myself. 

And it’s contrast, right?  Everything is contrast.  

For example, (and here's a random topic), “saying Hello on a Monday morning”.  Canada is completely different from Japan.  Around every corner lie unique differences waiting to be recognized. And with each recognition comes a deeper recognition of your culture.  

And, to know your culture is to know yourself.