As I’m currently learning Mandarin through the University of Richmond, one aspect of learning a new language that I enjoy is finding words and phrases that are non-existent in other languages. For example, in Mandarin, it is difficult to find a word that directly translates to “hate” in English. These kinds of cultural differences that appear within the language are extremely fascinating.
What I didn’t like about learning new languages, however, was the difficulty of acquiring new grammar styles dependent on the language. For example, when I translate an English phrase into Korean, I get my grammar mixed up and make it sound convoluted for Korean grammar. Although it is inevitable and is part of the process in learning a new language, the translation into grammar makes it difficult, and I don’t enjoy it.
Through the survey, I discovered that I’m a visual learner. As a visual learner, I need to reinforce visual cues that will help me remember aspects of what I’m learning. This means I should take notes of certain keywords or phrases, as well as utilizing flashcards to reinforce my visual cues of the words that I learn. However, it was also encouraged that I draw pictures and color coordinate to help my studying habits, but I’m not sure this is the best way for me to study, as I do not like drawing for my studying habits. Flashcards, however, have been proven effective for me, and I will like to utilize them in the future as I learn more Korean.
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