My name is Erik, and I’ve had a lifelong interest in languages and different cultures. I started French and Spanish in high school and managed to retain them, and I studied Japanese in college and used it in my work for many years. As an adult I also got interested in languages related to my heritage, such as Scottish Gaelic, Swedish and German. Every language great or small can express our feelings and ideas. Besides languages and travel, I enjoy nature, history, world music, technology and animals. To me, learning languages should be fun. I am probably a typical, informal American but I try to use that to my advantage, so I am able to laugh at my mistakes. Thanks in advance for good conversation and helping me improve my mind.