In Aitchison’s diagram on the 9th page, linguistics is presented as a field enriched by multiple disciplines, which include psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, neurology, and others. Each perspective highlights a very different aspect of how humans acquire, use, and understand language. I see my own Korean learning plan as strengthened by drawing on this range of approaches, which can help me better learn Korean and other languages in the long run.
From a psychological perspective, I focus on how memory and repetition affect vocabulary retention. This guides my use of spaced repetition apps, daily short study sessions, using YouTube Shorts, and playing video games that make me use my active recall skills. This would be the psychological perspective of learning Korean and or other languages in the future.
From a sociological and anthropological perspective, my exchange with the Korean church community and my exchange abroad in Korea becomes essential. Language is not just a system of grammar, but a tool for social belonging. By learning honorifics and speech levels, I not only learn words but also how Koreans construct relationships and express respect for each other.
From a structural perspective within linguistics, understanding Hangul’s phonetics and the subject-object-verb (SOV) grammar structure helps me make sense of sentences instead of memorizing them randomly. This provides a solid foundation for building more complex communication later with any other language that I seek to learn.
While I do not reject any approach, I give slight preference to sociolinguistic and cultural perspectives, because my motivation is not only to “learn Korean” but to connect meaningfully with Korean speakers in Richmond, Yonsei, and in Korea in general. The structure of the language matters, but the community exchange is what brings it to life.
Ultimately, my awareness of language structures and disciplinary methodologies informs the trajectory of my learning plan. It reminds me that studying Korean is not just about memorizing vocabulary lists, but about approaching the language as a living system shaped by culture, society, and human interaction. This perspective ensures that my plan includes not only grammar drills, but also immersion, reflection, and dialogue with community partners.
Replies