There are few things in life more valuable, in my opinion, then learning another language. It opens cultural doors of understanding that aren't anything like the same in translation.

Learning another language takes a lot of effort, which understandably puts a lot of people off. I mean, who wants to struggle? Not me!

But something happens at some point during the learning process (speaking from my experience learning three different languages) when all the struggle turns to the joy of discovery. There's a point you pass, I think, where you start sucking it in instead of sipping, and it's just wonderfully exciting and fulfilling.

It's still work, but it feels like very rewarding (maybe even exciting) work.

The question is, how to help students know that point is coming? How to get them to struggle for just a little while until their bigger rewards start rolling in?

I don't have any answers, just questions!