Meaning: Chiaki Kuriyama, a Japanese actress, succinctly captures the struggle of language learners who find themselves immersed in an environment where their target language is not a necessity. Her quote reflects the common experience of individuals who feel motivated to learn a new language when they are in a setting where it is essential for communication, only to lose their enthusiasm when they return to an environment where the language is not required. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "necessity and enthusiasm" dilemma, and it is a challenge faced by many language learners around the world.

Kuriyama's observation speaks to the power of necessity in driving language acquisition. When individuals are placed in a context where they must use a language to function in daily life, whether for work, school, or social interactions, they often experience a heightened motivation to learn and improve their language skills. The urgency of needing to communicate effectively in the target language creates a sense of purpose and drive that propels learners forward in their language journey. This necessity serves as a powerful motivator, igniting a genuine desire to understand and be understood in the new language.

However, as Kuriyama notes, this motivation can wane when the necessity diminishes. For individuals like her, who divide their time between two countries with different primary languages, the contrast in linguistic requirements can lead to fluctuations in their enthusiasm for language learning. When she is in America, the necessity of using English fuels her enthusiasm for learning the language. Yet, upon returning to Japan, where her native language is dominant, the urgency to use English diminishes, and with it, her enthusiasm for language learning.

This phenomenon is not limited to individuals living in multilingual or multicultural environments. Many language learners experience a similar shift in motivation based on the presence or absence of necessity. Students studying a foreign language in school may find themselves highly motivated during a study abroad program or when communicating with native speakers, only to struggle to maintain the same level of enthusiasm once they return to their home country. Similarly, professionals who use a second language in their work may find their motivation fluctuating based on changes in job responsibilities or work environments.

Understanding the interplay between necessity and enthusiasm is crucial for language learners and educators alike. It highlights the importance of creating environments that cultivate a sense of necessity for language use, even in settings where the target language is not the dominant one. Immersion programs, language exchanges, and opportunities for real-life communication can help learners experience the necessity of using the language, thereby sustaining their enthusiasm for learning.

Moreover, Kuriyama's reflection underscores the need for ongoing support and encouragement for language learners, especially during periods when the necessity of language use may be less pronounced. By acknowledging the challenges posed by fluctuating necessity and enthusiasm, educators and language advocates can develop strategies to help learners maintain their motivation and continue making progress in their language acquisition journey.

In conclusion, Chiaki Kuriyama's quote encapsulates the complex relationship between necessity and enthusiasm in language learning. Her experience highlights the impact of environmental factors on language motivation and serves as a reminder of the importance of sustaining learners' enthusiasm, even in the absence of immediate necessity. By recognizing and addressing the "necessity and enthusiasm" dilemma, language learners and educators can work towards creating supportive and empowering language learning experiences that nurture long-term language proficiency and fluency.