[ Learning a language involves more than just learning the writing system, the alphabet and various sounds and syllables that compose a language. While Spock is no linguist, her mother was one, and her father an ambassador. Learning about the culture behind the language, gaining an understanding of the diversity of the individuals who together speak the language, and even simply understanding the origins of their common phrases is necessary.

(Spock might play dumb Vulcan from time to time, feigning ignorance at the illogical, often idiotic, phrases they use, but she understands their meaning for the most part.)

There are few pleasant stories Spock has regarding her childhood. Even without the aspersions cast on her heritage, Vulcans have never been an easy, affectionate race of individuals. She can talk about surviving in the desert for ten days, the attack of the le-matya and the loss of her sehlat; days spent studying in relative seclusion, the necessity of working with her peers who did not appreciate her talents, and the work put in to achieving spectacular results on her exams. So hearing such wonderful stories from another, especially one who was in some ways born into a war, is a marvel.

It also helps in understanding some of the romanticism of Yaval. Though the languages are vastly different, some of the displays of emotions reminds Spock of Pre-Reformation poetry. ]

Terrans do possess a tolerance for sugar that is extraordinary. [ Spock, always fastidious, licks the powdered sugar off her lips, then takes another bite of the cookie, which defeats the purpose, as more lingers. ] The taste of these is not displeasing. Stronger than traditional Vulcan sweets, but satisfactory still.

[ She finishes off the cookie and is left with fingers covered in powdered sugar. Vulcans rarely eat with their fingers for this very reason. ]