Anecdata: I live in a high-alcohol, high-language barrier environment in which I've got a limited but workable grasp of the local tongue. Getting smashed reall

Anecdata: I live in a high-alcohol, high-language barrier environment in which I've got a limited but workable grasp of the local tongue. Getting smashed really does help, I've had great nights drinking with dudes who don't speak a word of English. I've always put this down to lowered inhibition. I've never felt my comprehension, grammar or vocab improved, just that my conversation partners and I were committed to getting hammered together, and persisting was the focus of the evening's entertainment for all concerned. In a sober situation, you're much more likely to give up.