Tim Keeley

Tim Keeley

As a professor of cross-cultural management at universities in Japan, China, and Thailand, Tim Keeley has spent the past 32 years writing and lecturing about his insights and research findings in relation to foreign language acquisition and cultural adaptation. His research papers have received global recognition, consistently ranking within the top 2% of all papers worldwide on Academia.edu.

15:30 - 15:50

Lessons from 50 Years of Language Learning: A Journey Through 30+ Languages

In this talk, I will share what I’ve learned from studying and using over 30 foreign languages during five decades as an adult. I will delve into how I choose the languages I study, highlighting the personal, cultural, and practical motivations that guide my decisions. I’ll discuss the methods I use, adapted to each language’s unique challenges, and how these approaches have evolved throughout my journey. Staying motivated over such a long period requires dedication and specific strategies, which I’ll share, including the role of passion, community, and a love for discovery. I’ll also address how I manage to maintain the languages I’ve learned, keeping them active and relevant in my daily life. This talk is a reflection on a lifelong journey, offering inspiration, practical tips, and personal stories for fellow language enthusiasts.