Discussion #4

While learning Korean, I am aware of how its phonetic inventory differs significantly from that of American English. Korean has a relatively simple vowel system compared to English, but its consonant system contains contrasts that do not exist in American English. One of the most distinctive features of Korean phonology is the three-way contrast among plain, aspirated, and tense consonants. This distinction is particularly challenging for English speakers because English does not phonemically contrast tense consonants in the same way. It is also someting a little different from Chinese.For example, Korean distinguishes the /p/ sound. These sounds appear in minimal pairs such as 발 /pal/ , 팔 /pʰal/ (“arm”), and 빨 /p͈al/ (“red”). Although English distinguishes between voiced and voiceless stops, it does not contrast tense consonants like /p͈/. Similarly, Korean differentiates among /t/ sound such like in 달 /tal/ (“moon”), 탈 /tʰal/ (“mask”), and 딸 /t͈al/ (“daughter”). In addition to these…

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Discussion Post 02/22

As I entered this class, I had (and still do have) a very broad interest in learning everything I can about Chinese culture. I was also a complete beginner when it came to language learning, so my focus in learning vocabulary has been fairly general as well. I am realizing that I may need to create a little more structure in my learning plan (especially on my own) to prepare for the project. At the same time, I have noticed that I have learned several words describing food or related details (for example, where a restaurant is located). My CET program also offers a class on Chinese Food, Culture, and Identity, which I am hoping to take next semester. When I searched for the relationship between Chinese food and language, I was surprised to find several articles on translating the names of different foods and how they relate to translation theory; I also found multiple articles on the history of food across time and region in China. I would like to complete a project on the ties…

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Language Journal Post 2

I have now had about five weeks of instruction in Mandarin. I have been following the plan set out in my syllabus, and tutoring meetings have been regular every week. I have also created something of a pattern to follow – for the first part of the week, I watch some television and review vocabulary by rewriting and practicing pronunciation for the characters I learned recently, and for the second part, I learn new vocabulary and practice forming sentences and speaking more quickly and “fluently”. I then meet with my tutor on the weekends. As my learning continues, I believe I can expand my practice strategies, and am seeking new ways to do so, but for now, I feel that my system allows me to reinforce topics and accelerate my learning. I have also submitted two cultural posts since my first Language Journal post, and I continue to learn more about Chinese culture during my lessons (especially when I learn about the history of the characters I am introduced to). I am beginning to form a…

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Discussion Post #5

Korean Culture has honorifics and hierarchy. It is used at the end of the sentences to show respect based on age and social position. There are levels at which you speak to people. If they are older, you speak formally. (Age) If they are your boss, you speak to them with respect. (Status) If they are younger, you may speak to them casually. (Relationship) The word “nim” is used out of respect for elders and positions above oneself. Honorific verbs are when speaking to someone you respect. For example, when to eat, may add an honorific, “deusida,” and to be polite, it’s “deuseyo.” Overall, you add “sida” for honorific and “seyo” for politeness. There are also particles to show respect and politeness that are attached to the end of a verb. It is a lot to go over, so currently in my planner, I have to learn politeness since it can be used for everyone, and later on, learn the rest of their linguistic manners. 

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