My%20Learning%20Plan%20-%20Lehan%20Zhao%28Spring%202024%29.pdf

Over the past few months, my language partner and I have embarked on a structured journey to learn Korean, beginning with vocabulary building, progressing through grammar, and advancing to sentence formation. Each phase brought its own set of challenges and triumphs, but it was this month that truly transformed our learning experience as we integrated Korean talk shows into our study routine, particularly "Bam's House."

Our first three months were foundational. Starting with basic vocabulary, we equipped ourselves with the essential words needed for daily conversations, which helped us recognize and understand the topics discussed on "Bam's House." Then, we tackled Korean grammar, learning how to construct sentences in a language where the verb typically comes at the end, quite different from English. By the third month, we were actively constructing our sentences, a practice that enhanced our ability to engage with the language dynamically.

This month was a game-changer. We chose "Bam's House" for its informal, engaging format, where the host and his guests converse freely in a relaxed, homely setting. This setup was ideal for hearing conversational Korean in its natural habitat—full of idiomatic expressions, slang, and spontaneous humor that are often absent in more formal educational materials.

Watching "Bam's House" not only allowed us to hear the language used in real time but also served as a perfect complement to the skills we had developed in the previous months. Each episode provided context for the vocabulary and grammar we had learned, now seen in the fluid, dynamic use of language by native speakers. The informal setting of the show, often involving meals and casual chats, mirrored typical everyday conversations, which are crucial to understanding any language in its cultural context.

During our sessions, we paused frequently to analyze and discuss how the host and his guests expressed themselves. We noted new vocabulary and particularly interesting formulations, which we then tried to use in our mini-conversations. Replicating the informal banter and jokes, we practiced speaking freely, which significantly improved our pronunciation and fluency.

The talk show format, with its diverse topics and guest interactions, provided a rich source of cultural insights as well. Discussing these helped us appreciate nuances that aren’t always evident in written texts or more staged media. This deeper cultural understanding made our conversations more meaningful and our grasp of the language more nuanced.

Reflecting on this month, integrating "Bam's House" into our study routine has been incredibly beneficial. It has made the language come alive, transforming our learning experience from a structured academic exercise to a lively, engaging practice that we genuinely look forward to. Watching and discussing the show has not only bolstered our confidence in using the language but also deepened our cultural appreciation, making each lesson feel like a window into Korean life.

As we move forward, we plan to continue using media like "Bam's House" to refine our conversational skills and broaden our cultural understanding. The progress we've made by watching and interacting with real Korean spoken in a natural setting has been remarkable, proving that practical engagement with the language can significantly enhance the learning process. We are excited to see where this immersive approach will take us next in our language-learning journey.

link to the show: https://www.youtube.com/@bamhome

Presentation: Understanding the Low Korean Birth Rate

Podcast: Reflection on the semester with language partner

Learning a new language is a journey filled with challenges and discoveries, and my adventure with Korean has been no exception. As my vocabulary expanded and my understanding of Korean grammar deepened, my language learning sessions evolved significantly, especially with the help of my language partner, who has been instrumental in refining my skills.

At the beginning of the semester, my focus was heavily on acquiring vocabulary and understanding basic grammar. However, as my foundation solidified, my sessions with my language partner became more dynamic. We began constructing sentences together, a practice that not only tested my knowledge but also enhanced my ability to use Korean in practical scenarios. My partner's patience and insight were crucial during these exercises; he meticulously corrected my grammar and diction, ensuring that I not only knew the words but understood how to use them effectively.

One fascinating aspect of learning Korean is the context-sensitivity of certain vocabulary, which underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable language partner. For instance, the word 당신 ("dangsin"), which translates to "you," illustrates this well. Using 당신 can be overly formal or even inappropriate in casual conversations, whereas 너 ("neo") is informal and typically used among close friends or to younger people. However, 당신 is often used affectionately between married couples, highlighting the nuanced usage based on the relationship dynamics. This kind of nuance is not immediately obvious to learners and can lead to miscommunication if misused. My language partner plays an invaluable role in explaining these subtleties, ensuring that I not only learn the language but also understand the cultural context in which specific words are appropriately used. Another example is the use of honorifics in words like 드시다 ("deusida") for "to eat," which is respectful and formal compared to just 먹다 ("meokda").

Grammar, too, came with its complexities. Korean sentences follow a Subject-Object-Verb order, which was a shift from English and Mandarin. Additionally, understanding special grammatical rules like verb conjugation depending on the level of formality was challenging. For example, the verb "to do" can be 해("hae") in informal settings, 하세요 ("haseyo") in polite settings, and 합니다 ("hamnida") in formal communications. These nuances were pivotal in making my Korean sound natural and respectful.

Thanks to these tailored sessions, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to form coherent and contextually appropriate sentences. Each correction my partner made was a learning opportunity, highlighting nuances I might have missed otherwise. This feedback was not just about language accuracy but also about cultural appropriateness, which is essential in real-life interactions. The progress I made over these months has been incredibly rewarding. Starting from basic greetings to now being able to participate in simple conversations, my confidence in speaking and writing Korean has soared. Reflecting on this journey, I realize how each step, each mistake, and each correction contributed to my current proficiency.

Overall, the journey of learning Korean has been as much about understanding the culture as it has been about mastering the language. Each session brought new insights into how deeply intertwined language and cultural norms are, and how mastering both is crucial for truly understanding and appreciating this beautiful language. With continued practice and help from my language partner, I look forward to becoming even more proficient and eventually fluent in Korean.

Diving into Korean cuisine has been an eye-opening part of my cultural journey. I’ve discovered that in Korea, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a communal bond, a blend of flavors that tells stories of tradition and innovation. Here’s a look at some classic Korean food pairings that showcase the harmony and depth of this vibrant cuisine.

One of the first pairings I fell for was **Kimchi (김치) and Bossam (보쌈)**. Bossam features tender, boiled pork belly wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf with spicy kimchi. This combo balances the rich pork with kimchi’s crunch and tang, making every bite a celebration of contrast.

Then there's the well-loved pairing of Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) and Soju (소주). Picture this scene: you're gathered around a sizzling grill with friends, cooking slices of pork belly and dipping them in a mix of salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Accompany this meal with a sip of soju, a clear spirit akin to vodka but considerably milder. This pairing is celebrated widely, and rightly so. The soju not only enhances the flavors of the rich pork but also facilitates digestion and promotes lively conversation.

Another heartwarming dish is **Bibimbap (비빔밥)** served with **Gochujang (고추장)**. This mixed rice dish with vegetables and meat gets its kick from gochujang, a spicy chili paste. It’s a symphony of flavors that exemplifies the Korean knack for balancing taste and health.

Street food enthusiasts must try **Tteokbokki (떡볶이)** with **Sundae (순대)**. Spicy rice cakes alongside blood sausage make a popular snack, offering a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that are truly addictive.

Not to forget the famous **Chimaek (치맥)**, a combo of crispy Korean fried chicken and beer. This pairing is perfect for social gatherings, where the crunch of the chicken and the coolness of the beer complement each other beautifully.

Korean dining is not just about the food; it's about sharing. Meals often come with several side dishes, *banchan*, shared by everyone at the table, which enriches the dining experience and fosters a sense of togetherness. Respect is a key ingredient too—elders are served first, reflecting the culture's deep-seated reverence for age and experience.

The principle of balance is crucial in Korean cuisine, not just in flavors but in nutrition. Meals are crafted to offer a diverse range of tastes and health benefits, making every dish a well-rounded feast for the senses.

Exploring these food pairings has deepened my appreciation for Korean culinary practices and the culture's emphasis on harmony and community. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to Korean cuisine, these pairings offer a delightful entry into the heart of Korea’s culinary art. So, the next time you sit down for a meal, maybe introduce some Korean pairings and see how food can bring us all a little closer. Happy eating!

In South Korea, the pursuit of academic excellence is not just a priority; it's a national obsession. This cultural imperative has given rise to a robust private education sector dominated by "hagwons," which have become an integral part of the educational landscape. Written as 학원 , this term directly translates to "learning institute" or "academy". These institutions are more than just supplementary educational facilities; for many South Korean families, they represent a crucial component of their children's educational journey, one that often takes precedence even over regular school activities.

The financial implications of enrolling children in hagwons are substantial, with costs varying widely. Fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per month depending on the subject, the institution's reputation, and its geographical location. High-end hagwons, particularly those specializing in university entrance exam preparation or advanced English language instruction, can be exceptionally pricey. This financial burden underscores the high stakes placed on education, as parents invest heavily in the hope of securing their children's academic and, subsequently, professional success.

Hagwons typically operate after school, in the evenings, and on weekends, aligning their schedules with the standard school day to accommodate students. However, during school holidays, these academies often offer intensive courses that can consume much of a student's day. The extensive hours spent in hagwons can lead to a significant conflict with regular school responsibilities, with students sometimes too exhausted to engage effectively with their schoolwork. This situation can create a vicious cycle where day schools become less effective in their educational role, prompting even greater reliance on hagwons.

Many South Korean parents view hagwons as more beneficial than traditional schools. This preference stems from several factors. First, hagwons typically offer more specialized and personalized instruction than is available in public schools. They are results-oriented, focusing intensely on preparing students for examinations that are crucial for advancing to higher educational levels. Moreover, the quality of teaching in hagwons is often perceived to be superior, with instructors who are specialists in their fields and whose compensation may be linked to the success of their students in competitive examinations.

This intense focus on academic achievement through hagwons has several implications. On the one hand, it can lead to high levels of stress and pressure among students, contributing to issues of mental health and well-being. On the other hand, it exacerbates educational inequality, as not all families can afford the costs associated with hagwon education. Those who can invest in these services often provide their children with a significant competitive advantage, further entrenching social divisions based on educational access and success.

The situation in South Korea is mirrored to some extent in China, where "bǔxí bān," or tutoring centers, serve a similar function. However, recent regulatory changes in China have sought to mitigate the pressures of after-school tutoring, contrasting sharply with the less regulated hagwon industry in South Korea. These changes reflect differing governmental approaches to managing the education sector's challenges and the societal pressures that drive the demand for supplementary education.

In conclusion, while hagwons play a critical role in supporting South Korean students' educational achievements, they also highlight broader societal issues, including the relentless pressure on young people to succeed academically, the financial strain on families, and the deep-seated inequalities within the education system. The debate continues as to how these challenges can be addressed without compromising the quality of education and the well-being of students.

As a Mathematics and Economics double major and a fan of Kpop, I have recently delved into the analysis of how the Kpop industry impacts the global and national economy. This interest was sparked by my reading of a paper titled "Exports driven by Hallyu increasing South Korea's economic growth," which sheds light on the significant contributions of Hallyu products to South Korea's GDP. According to the paper, Hallyu products alone increased South Korea's GDP by $1.87 billion in 2004, and an astounding $12.3 billion in 2019.

The global impact of Kpop on the economy cannot be understated. The rise of Kpop has led to a surge in international interest and consumption of Korean goods and services. Kpop acts have amassed a massive following not only in Asia but also in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. This popularity has created a global market for Korean music, merchandise, concerts, and other related products. As a result, the Kpop industry has become a valuable export for South Korea, contributing significantly to the nation's overall economy.

The economic impact of Kpop is not limited to South Korea alone. Internationally, the popularity of Kpop has led to an increase in tourism to South Korea. Fans from all over the world travel to attend Kpop concerts, fan meetings, and other events, boosting the tourism industry and supporting local businesses. These fans often spend money on accommodations, transportation, food, and merchandise, further stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.

Moreover, the influence of Kpop extends beyond the music industry. Kpop idols are often chosen as brand ambassadors for various products, ranging from cosmetics and fashion to food and electronics. Their endorsements and collaborations generate substantial revenue for both the idols and the companies they represent. This symbiotic relationship between Kpop and various industries contributes to economic growth on a national and global scale.

Additionally, the Kpop phenomenon has given rise to the "Hallyu wave," a term used to describe the increasing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture worldwide. This wave has led to a greater demand for Korean dramas, movies, fashion, beauty products, and even language education. The export of these Hallyu products has become a significant source of revenue for South Korea, generating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

On a national level, the impact of Kpop on the South Korean economy is undeniable. The success of Kpop acts has resulted in the growth of entertainment companies, creating employment opportunities for artists, producers, choreographers, stylists, and other professionals within the industry. This growth has also led to the development of training academies, concert venues, and production facilities, further fueling economic expansion.

Furthermore, the success of Kpop acts has attracted investment and sponsorship from both domestic and international companies. These partnerships contribute to the overall financial stability of the Kpop industry and provide resources for the production and promotion of music, concerts, and other related ventures. The economic ripple effect of these investments spreads to various sectors, fostering growth and innovation.

In conclusion, the impact of Kpop on the global and national economy is significant and far-reaching. The rise of Kpop has not only created a global market for Korean music and related products but has also stimulated tourism, driven endorsements and collaborations, and fueled the growth of various industries. The economic contributions of Kpop, as highlighted in the paper I read, demonstrate its value as an export and a driver of South Korea's economic growth. As a mathematics major and a Kpop fan, I am intrigued by the intricate connections between this cultural phenomenon and its economic implications, and I look forward to further analysis in this field.

As a Chinese individual, I have always been fascinated by Buddhist temples and their rich history. However, I must admit that it is challenging for me to assert that Korean Buddhist temples are completely authentic artifacts, as they bear a striking resemblance to the temples found in China. To delve deeper into this topic, I began on a journey to discover the differences between Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, particularly in terms of their site, date, history, size, and utility.

One aspect that stands out when comparing Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples is their site. In China, temples are often situated in serene and picturesque locations, such as mountains or near bodies of water. These sites are chosen for their peaceful and conducive environments, allowing individuals to engage in meditation and contemplation. Similarly, Korean Buddhist temples also emphasize the importance of natural surroundings, but they tend to be located in more remote areas, often nestled amidst mountains and forests. This distinction in site selection reflects the cultural and geographical differences between the two countries.

Regarding the date and history of Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, it is evident that Buddhism arrived in China earlier than it did in Korea. China has a long and profound history of Buddhist influence, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). As a result, Chinese Buddhist temples often boast ancient and well-preserved architecture, with some temples having stood for centuries. On the other hand, Buddhism was introduced to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-668 CE). Consequently, Korean Buddhist temples, while still holding historical significance, may not possess the same age and historical depth as their Chinese counterparts.

When it comes to size, Chinese Buddhist temples tend to be larger and more grandiose compared to their Korean counterparts. This disparity can be attributed to the vastness of Chinese territory and the strong influence of Buddhism throughout the country's history. Chinese temples often feature multiple halls, pagodas, and expansive courtyards, creating a sense of grandeur and magnificence. In contrast, Korean temples, while still impressive, are generally more compact and smaller in scale. This disparity in size reflects the differences in population density and available land between China and Korea.

In terms of utility, both Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples serve as places of worship and spiritual practice. Chinese temples often serve as cultural and religious centers, attracting visitors and pilgrims from all over the world. They may house valuable artifacts, host important Buddhist ceremonies, and act as educational institutions for Buddhist teachings. Similarly, Korean Buddhist temples fulfill similar functions, providing a space for individuals to engage in meditation, prayer, and study. However, due to the smaller scale of Korean temples, they may have a more intimate and secluded atmosphere, fostering a deeper sense of tranquility and solitude.

As I delve further into the comparison of Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, I have come to realize that while the architecture in East Asia as a whole is generally assumed to have originated from China and spread from there, Korea has developed its own indigenous style as well. While similarities exist between the two, it is essential to appreciate the unique characteristics and influences that have shaped each country's Buddhist temple tradition.

In conclusion, the exploration of Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples has provided me with a deeper understanding of their similarities and differences. While Chinese temples may possess a longer history, larger scale, and more grandiose architecture, Korean temples have their own distinctive charm and cultural significance. Both countries have contributed to the rich tapestry of Buddhist temple traditions in East Asia, offering individuals a place for spiritual practice, introspection, and connection with the divine.

As I embark on my self-directed language course in Korean, I find online resources to be invaluable in my journey to memorize vocabulary and learn grammar. The convenience and accessibility of these resources allow me to tailor my learning experience to my own pace and preferences.

To memorize Korean vocabulary, I rely on various online tools and platforms. Flashcard applications, such as Anki or Quizlet, have become my go-to resources. These applications allow me to create personalized decks of flashcards with Korean words and their translations in both English and Mandarin. Through spaced repetition algorithms, these apps intelligently schedule the review of flashcards based on my mastery of each word. This technique helps me reinforce and retain vocabulary effectively. 

In addition to flashcards, online vocabulary lists and word banks provide me with an extensive pool of words to explore. Websites and apps dedicated to Korean language learning offer categorized word lists, ranging from basic to advanced levels. I leverage these resources to expand my vocabulary repertoire systematically. The one I used is called howtolearnkorean.com.

Regarding grammar, online resources play a crucial role in my understanding and practice. Websites and online courses dedicated to teaching Korean grammar provide comprehensive explanations, examples, and exercises. I utilize these resources to grasp the fundamental rules and structures of the language in a comprehensible order. The ability to access grammar explanations at any time allows me to review and reinforce my understanding whenever needed. The website mentioned above also provide grammar explanations.

Also, having a language partner who quizzes me on the vocabulary I recite and clears up any confusion I may have about the grammar I learned online would be incredibly beneficial to my language learning journey. This interactive and collaborative approach to learning enhances my understanding and provides an opportunity for practical application of the knowledge I have acquired. During our language exchange sessions, my language partner would test me on the vocabulary I have been memorizing. He would ask me to recall and use the words in various contexts, allowing me to practice and solidify my understanding. Their feedback and corrections would help me refine my pronunciation and usage. My language partner's ability to explain complex grammar concepts in a way that suits my learning style would be crucial. He would break down the rules, provide examples, and patiently guide me through any challenging aspects. His expertise and native-level fluency would ensure that I receive accurate and reliable explanations.

In addition to specific vocabulary and grammar resources, I incorporate authentic online content into my language learning routine. Korean news, blogs, and YouTube channels expose me to real-life language usage. I actively engage with these resources to encounter vocabulary and grammar structures in natural contexts. Immersing myself in authentic content not only enhances my language skills but also deepens my understanding of Korean culture.

Additionally, my language partner's cultural background and firsthand experiences with the language would enrich my learning experience. They can share cultural insights, idiomatic expressions, and colloquial language usage, giving me a more authentic and well-rounded understanding of the Korean language.

Reflecting on the process of discovering learning goals with my language partner and exploring various resources for learning Korean, I am filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the semester ahead. Together, we have delved into examinations on the Korean language, explored different textbooks, websites, and apps, and ultimately identified the goal of this semester's Korean learning: to be able to formulate correct sentences using different tenses and express different purposes using different levels of respect.

This journey of goal-setting and resource exploration has been enlightening and empowering. With the guidance and expertise of my language partner, we have examined sample examinations on Korean language proficiency. These examinations have provided valuable insights into the structure, expectations, and requirements of formal Korean language assessments. By familiarizing myself with the exam format, question types, and grading criteria, I have gained a clearer understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve my language learning goals.

In addition to examinations, we have explored a range of textbooks, websites, and apps dedicated to learning Korean. This exploration has allowed me to identify resources that align with my learning style and preferences. From comprehensive textbooks that provide structured lessons and exercises to interactive websites and apps that offer engaging and immersive learning experiences, I have discovered an app called HowToStudyKorean to support my language learning journey.

The guidance and support of my language partner have been instrumental in helping me recognize the importance of being able to formulate correct sentences using different tenses. Understanding and applying different tenses is crucial for effective communication, as it allows for precise expression of time, continuity, and relevance. By mastering the various tenses, I will be able to convey my thoughts and experiences accurately and confidently.

Moreover, my language partner has emphasized the significance of expressing different purposes using different levels of respect in Korean. The Korean language places great importance on social hierarchy and respect, and being able to navigate and utilize the appropriate levels of formality is essential for effective communication in various social contexts. By developing proficiency in expressing respect and formality, I will be able to navigate conversations with cultural sensitivity and effectively convey my intentions and purposes.

As I embark on this semester's Korean learning journey, my hopes and aims are high. I hope to develop a solid foundation in sentence formulation using different tenses, allowing me to express myself accurately and naturally. I aim to practice and refine my language skills through meaningful conversations, both with my language partner and with other native speakers. By immersing myself in authentic Korean content, such as books, movies, and music, I hope to further enhance my vocabulary, cultural understanding, and fluency.

Furthermore, I aspire to engage with the Korean community, whether online or in person, to practice and apply my language skills in real-life situations. Connecting with native speakers and fellow learners will not only provide opportunities for language practice but also foster meaningful cultural exchanges and friendships.

Above all, my ultimate aim is to develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the Korean language and culture. Language learning is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about embracing the rich tapestry of a society and connecting with its people. I hope to immerse myself fully in the Korean language, exploring its nuances, expressions, and intricacies, and cultivating a lifelong love for this beautiful language.

In conclusion, the process of discovering learning goals with my language partner and exploring various resources for learning Korean has ignited a sense of purpose and excitement within me. With the aim of formulating correct sentences using different tenses and expressing different purposes using different levels of respect, I am determined to immerse myself in the Korean language and culture. Through dedicated practice, meaningful conversations, and engagement with authentic content, I hope to achieve fluency, cultural understanding, and a lifelong passion for the Korean language.

Reflection 7

In last reflection, I mentioned the benefits of making the connections between new words in vocabulary and the words that I already know. In the new chapter I continue to use this strategy, and I found more benefits. Firstly, it helps clarifies phrases in spoken sound and in written words. For example, 작다 and 짧다, which have similar meanings are to be small and to be short. Since they have similar pronunciations, I thought they were the same word before I search in the dictionary. Because of the awareness of the uncertainty towards it and the willingness to clarify this knowledge, I learnt these two words. Secondly, by making connections we can notice some language phenomenons such as, 비 has the similar meaning as suffices un-, non-, dis-, etc. When I saw the word 비싸다, to be expensive, I immediately thought of the word 싸다 in last chapter, which has an overlapped part with 비싸다 and have the exact opposite meaning, to be cheap. From my previous knowledge of Korean, one of the meanings of 비 has a corresponding Chinese character 非, which indicates negativity. Also, I collect other meanings of 비, such as rain and sad. By doing this small research, the knowledge of new words is no longer linear, instead, it has branches and leaves and has relationships with each other. Thirdly, you can make connections between the grammar and expression session in the following sections of the same chapter with the examples. For example, 고맙다 changes the ㅂ to 우, when it meets ~어요 for vowel contraction and becomes 고마워요. This exception is is not mentioned in the following contents of this chapter but by having this explanation when remembering the words makes the language phenomenon a lot easier to understand. Moreover, the connections between the dictionary form and the everyday usage of the word. For example, when me and my Korean speaking friends say good night after dance practice, we would say 잘자 to each other. However, when I encounter its dictionary form, 자다, to sleep, I didn’t recognize it at first. Now I know the character 잘 means good and well, and 자 means sleep. To extend this knowledge, you can ask someone to go to bed quickly by saying 빨리자 where 빨리 means quick. 

Another thing that I really want to share with Korean learners who use the textbook Integrated Korean is that sometime the English translations besides the Korean words are not as accurate. There is one word in this chapter’s vocabulary list, 운동 which has the translation exercise and it is not accurate. This Korean phrase can be used in various place outside exercise, such as 운동선수 which means athlete where 선수 means player. However, Chinese has a similar word, 运动, pronounced as [yun dong]. I mentioned at the beginning of the semester about whether it is better to use Chinese textbook to learn Korean or English textbook for me. From my experience of using these two I would say they have both pros and cons. Using English textbook you can easily communicate with your fellow classmates and your language partner about the questions you have during your study, or search on Google. In contrast, using Chinese textbook for Chinese learners is definitely easier and quicker to read and remember, and more content can be conveyed more accurately. 

Reflection 6

It has been quite a long time since I studied Korean because of the condition I’m in, so I decided to do some review first to get me prepared to continue learning new lessons. Covering the meanings, I go through all the vocabulary I’ve learned from the textbook and try to recall their meanings. When I encounter words I don’t remember or feeling shaky about, I write them down in a small notebook to keep track of the words that I didn’t acquired without writing down their meanings. After going through all of the words, I try to recall their meanings and write them down besides each word. During this process, I found out many words that are similar and confusing to me. For example, the character 참, has several meanings: 1 really; 2 a modal particle; 3 to express complaint. I only remember the last two and by reviewing I acquired the first. Moreover, the pronunciation of it is very similar to another character 잠, which most often occurs in the phrase 잠시만요 and 잠깐만요, which means please wait a second. These two characters confuse me before but get clarified after I searched it during revision. Another example is 마시다   and 맛있다 which have the same pronunciations but different meanings: to drink and to be tasty. From reviewing vocabulary, I also make more connections between the words/phrases in dictionary form and words/phrases I know from other sources. For example, the phrase for to get along is 지내다, which never used on its dictionary form but widely used when greeting along with the adjective 잘, as 잘 지내요. Knowing its meaning in greeting but not in its original form might burden learners to remember things more than they need to be, just like in English we can add prefixes and postfixed to change meanings. New words may have different meanings, pronunciations, or properties, but they share the same roots. 

New lesson for today is related to numbers. As well known, there are two counting systems in Korean: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. For me, to remember Sino-Korean numbers is really easy because their pronunciations are like a dialect of mandarin. Surprisingly, I spend less effort on remembering Native Korean numbers as I’ve imagined, maybe it is because that they are frequently occurred on reality shows and dramas so that they become really familiar to me. This phenomenon has the exact opposite when I learnt English. The multipliers also align with Chinese. Besides hundred and thousand, Korean and Chinese count numbers with the multiplication of 10,000 instead of 1,000 in most western countries. This can be hard for learners who are used to other multipliers to adjust to the new concepts of amount. The same applied when I studied English since I have to get to feel weight in pounds instead of kilograms, liquid in ounce instead of liters, temperature in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius, and objects in thousands and millions instead of ten thousands and hundred millions. Another difficulty that learners may encounter is that Korean, again like Chinese, uses different counters for different objects. What makes it more complex for me is that different counters are paired with different types of counting systems with additional exceptions. For example, when 과 is used to count lessons, it uses native Korean numbers; when it is used to count lesson numbers, it uses Sino-Korean. Another special case is that 달 is used to count months and uses native Korean; 월 is used to count months for date and uses Sino-Korean. If we want to express possession, we have to choose the correct particle for the noun which requires us to make a lot of decisions. I decided to practice writing down sentences using these words I’ve learned related to counting.

Reflection 1

The first class is mainly about me and my instructor Jenna working knowing each other. We first looked at the alphabet table and we decided to skip the very first beginning of the language learning since I had already known the alphabet. Then Jenna provided two short daily conversations for me to read through. I read through the conversations and cleared the new words that get into the way of understanding. Jenna also gave me a short newspaper article about a K-Pop group called BTS. There were much more words that I have never seen before, and the syntax was very different with the everyday language use. At the end of the session, we discussed the content of this semester. My initiative to learn Korean is that I want to be able to travel in Korea and understand people’s words in Korean. From this original intention, I would be focus more on listening and speaking and less on reading and the least in writing. However, Jenna explained to me that knowing how to write will be very helpful for the other three of language aspects.

Reflection 2

On Tuesday, I attended Jenna’s session with three other students. We went through the single supporting consonants again in Korean and then we took a step forward to the double supporting consonants. When we were going through the material that I had already learned last week, I found myself forgetting some of the material. The difficult part about the supporting consonants is that both of the writing and the pronunciation is different for different words. Korean, like English, the words don’t always sounds like what they are written. For the supporting consonants especially, sometime some part of the character is mute and sometime we pronounce the second part instead of the first part of it. The one thing that I am afraid when learning languages is the process of forgetting. It makes the learning seems useless and never able to proceed. Especially after this session of learning double supporting consonants, Jenna explained that this part of language phenomenon really need us to spend time and memorize them. There are exceptions out of exceptions and the best way to learn is to practice using them and correct mistake. 

My goals for these two weeks are trying to list out most of the common used words including  supporting consonants. By listing out the words I would be able to create my own sentences. This self-assignment will be sent to Jenna and corrected together on the following sessions.

The class on February 11th we learned about phonology and articulatory phonetics. Some of the final consonants pronunciation include what we have talked about in class. The airstream has been stopped at some part of the body. For example, ㅆ stops the airstream at the alveolar region; ㄱ stops the airstream at the epiglottis. ㅌ stops the airflow at dental region. Having the knowledge of phonetic articulation in mind, it makes the learning process slightly easier, but it definitely helps me better remember how to produce the exact sound I made a long time ago. I would be using this method to teach languages if I have a chance in the future.

Reflection 4

This week, I borrowed a Korean language learning textbook from the global studio called Integrated Korean. It is a textbook that my language partner Jenna and many other Korean language learner friends suggested. There are a few volumes for different language learner at different stages. For me, I chose the Beginning 1 to start off my language learning process. The book organizes the content into Introduction and Objectives with Appendices and Grammar Index and the end of the book. This week I read the first half of the introduction to Korean hoping to have a general impression and knowledge about the language. Having some knowledge of Korean, reading through the introduction is more like a review on the information that I’ve already had. Although, I do gained a lot of new knowledge such as the relationship to mandarin and Japanese. From a few years in Kpop culture, I noticed that Korean entertainment companies always have the attempt to break into the Chinese and Japanese market with either by making songs in the language or having their groups debut in the country. For example, one of the most well-known group, EXO, had a subunit called EXO-M. The M in their name stands for Mandarin, which coincides with their main purpose to perform their songs in Mandarin. Besides, one of the biggest girl group, Blackpink, made their debut in Japan a few years ago. According to the idols who speaks Korean had experience learning Japanese and Mandarin, it is very similar in terms of grammar with Japanese, words with Mandarin, which made the learning process slightly easier that learning English and Spanish. From the book, I learned that there word-borrowing from Japanese created based on Chinese characters which is called Sino-Korean. 

Besides the connection with other cultures, Korean itself is, of course, a special language. The characteristic of situation-oriented makes it different from the languages that I can speak. Speakers will not include the subject or/and object when the context makes them obvious. The degree of obviousness can be vague and usually are played around with in lyrics and K-dramas. Another unique feature is its word order. The general order is subject + object

 + verb, but it is also often called free word order language because it permits the element before the verb to be scrambled for emphatic or other purposes. Unlike Mandarin and English, the two language that I speak, where subject/object and word order are comparatively important in comprehension, Korean can be hard for me to get used to based on these two features.

By connecting the knowledge that I had about the culture and the language with the content in the book, I feel more confident in the upcoming language learning because I can see the progress, the increase in knowledge each week. It is also a good way to test and organize what you’ve already had. Learning by with a proper textbook is what I’ve always wanted to try since that is how I learnt English with a decent efficiency. I would continue to use this strategy for the future language learning and make adjustment when necessary.

Reflection 5

This week I studied the remaining introduction and the first chapter —greetings. The introduction mentions the subject honorific suffix with multiple examples. Long before I started to learn Korean seriously, I noticed that there would always be a series of sound: Si-Mi-De, at the end of each sentence. Just like “hello, how are you” is a typical short sentence that we will say if we are asked about English, Si-Mi-Da is the general impression of Korean among Chinese people. Knowing that this is a honorific suffix used when at the end of the sentence when the subject is a senior or an adult equal. The sound pattern is another point worth mentioning. It has always been hard for me to separate the consonants. Unlike Chinese or English were consonants are separated into two degree: voiced and voiceless, for example, tie and die, 台 and 代, Korean has unique structure of dividing the consonants into three parts: plain, aspirate and tense: ㅍ, ㅂ, and ㅃ. Therefore, learning the pronounciation by looking at the book is hard. I would definetely seek help from my language partner for specifications. Although, after studying the international phonetic alphabet, other sounds became easier to find by looking at description, for example, nasal soft palate ㅇ is pronounced as /-ng/;  alveolar fricative ㅅ is pronounced as /s/. I would suggest other Korean language learners who might be struggling with the prononciation to study the international phonetic alphabet. 

Similar to Chinese, Korean can be written both horizontally and vertically, most on newspapers. However, in north Korea, only vertical is used. This is something that I have never heard of before. From my knowledge of Chinese culture, vertical text is always used for books made of bamboos in ancient time because of the texture of the book and continue to be in this way until 1950. Besides, the stroke order for writing hangul is the same for writing Chinese characters, which was never noticed by me when I copied down lyrics in Korean. The connections between my own culture and my target language’s culture encourage me to learn more about it, and help me to be conscious about what I have already known about the language and the culture itself.

The next part of the introduction is a review for me on pronunciation rules which was covered by my language partner a few weeks before. I do not find more information than she provided. My favorite part of this introduction is its last part: useful classroom expressions where the book provides a few basic sentence that can be used right away without knowing grammar rules, which are essential for studying in Korean. The section is very thoughtful for students who don’t have time to fully study Korean before study abroad in Korea. 

In the first lesson, my second half content for this week, I studied two conversations and a narration. The book provides the vocabulary lists with their word classes and humble/plain indication. For this chapter, most of the vocabulary are already familiar with me, so I focused more on the spelling instead of trying to remember the words.

In the video it shows that the languages go extinct since there is no more speakers and there is no more conversations between speakers. The elders with low hearing abilities can hardly make conversation using the targeted language. Therefore it is harder to record and preserve the language for further use. Similarly in the reading article, the language xxx came back to life due to the reuse of language. Also, education system plays an important role in language as well. When there is no curriculum about languages like Siletz, the younger won’t be able to acquire them.

Linguistics can do several things to preserve a dying language. First, they can record the language and document them in a dictionary which give access to the general public without violate their intellectual rights. Second, working with government and including the target language in school curriculum can be also very helpful on preserving a dying language. Moreover, linguistics need to be working with other professionists such as zoologists and biologists to understand the language on its own term. Immediate need of care and support of dying languages make language preservation is a great challenge. Although a lot of dedication is needed, it will be worth it as David Harrison illustrated that there are a large amount of knowledge encapsulated in endangered languages that is highly valuable. The linguistic David Harrison are educating high school students and college students about linguistic and recruiting linguistics to work on dying languages.

I have started writing my target language a long ago. Written Korean, like English and most of other languages in the world, are highly related to the pronunciation, therefore makes it easier to write free hand than type. Korean characters are similar to Chinese characters with less type of strokes. The pattern of Korean characters are hard to miss. The vowels are usually placed in below or on the right with consonants on the other half. 받침 are separated with the vowels and consonants. Double 받침 have two parts. In total, there are maximum four parts that consist one Korean character. 

The Korean sentences are really flexible in terms of the order of language parts. Usually it follows the pattern of subject + object + verb. When the subject is obvious in the context, subject is usually omitted in the sentence. The clauses which indicate time, location, relationship, etc, can be put in different order without changing the main meaning of the sentence. 

My main uses of written Korean language are short expressions of emotions. I started to learn how to write simple sentences last week. The following picture shows what I have been working on specifically in written Korean.

In the presentation I shared about my study plan for Korean language acquisition. For this semester, I planned to study vocabulary about several aspect of life. However, I underestimated the number of words we have in languages. Until now, I am still studying the list about school-related expression. After I started to use the textbook Integrated Korean, I followed the sequence in the book. Using school-related topic, the book introduces simple grammar and expression. Personally, I appreciate the structure of this book because it is related to international college students who can use the phrases immediately in everyday conversations. I decided to change my focus mostly on school-related topic and study vocabulary which is relative. 

The class which me and Jenna watched two series of Korean drama, makes an obvious relation between the textbook and tutoring class. There’s one line the protagonist said “준비가 아직 안 된 거 같아서요.” In the context it means ‘I don’t think (I’m) ready (to prepose) yet.” However, the subject and the verb can be omitted in spoken language if the context makes them obvious enough. The play writer utilize this grammar feature to twist the plot. I didn’t notice this correlation before we turned on the Korean subtitles and analyze the lines. By watching the drama, I understand more about Korean culture in both work place and school settings since there are plots happened in those places. Language plays an important rule in identity recognition, especially in Korean which is a language has several different levels of formality. In my opinion, the best way to describe the relationship between language and culture is that they both reflect and affect each other. 

To improve my communicative competence, I would need opportunity to communicate in Korean with others and receive instant feedback about my mistakes. I went to the church in Richmond last week and I found there is many opportunity for me to input and output Korean. I would go to the church as much as possible. My goal for Korean is being able to talk to Korean speakers therefore my listening and speaking competence are highly emphasized in my study plan.

According to the so-called Southern theory, Korean belongs to the Austronesian language family. However, according to the Northern theory, supported by a number of linguists, Korean is a member of the Altaic language family. At the same time, some linguists point to some similarities between Korean and Japanese, suggesting that it might belong in the Japonic group of languages.

한자, words borrowed from Chinese characters, is present in Korean due to the spread of Buddhism from China to Korea. However, the most Chinese characters in Korean is not due to this religious spread, instead it is due to a text called 천자문. Some characters were borrowed directly from the text in simplified Chinese, some were translated based on their pronunciations of Chinese. The characters which are borrowed from Chinese characters change in terms of stroke orders. Research shows that some words borrowed from Chinese are gradually losing its popularity through time since schools abandoned the teaching of 한자 in 1971. Some words remain in common usage in contexts. I noticed this when I first began to listen to Korean because there were Korean words that I can somehow match the Chinese pronunciations. This special language borrowing and mixing makes Korean more approachable for me to learn in both terms of written and spoken.

To predict how language is going to change in the future, we can look at the factors which are causing changes and are retaining the change of language in the past. Internet platforms which provide people to communicate are causing the major change of language. Schools and other education organizations are slowing down the changes because students will study the standard language there, therefore the tradition is maintained. As the example above, after schools decided not to teach Chinese characters, the usage has been declining.

K-pop is gaining a lot of my attention through the past few years. Aside from the entertaining benefit to me. Its influences on other cultures are remarkable. People who are affected by the hallyu select common used words in K-pop fandom and mix them in their daily conversations. From the asset of social linguistic, word borrowing and language hybridizing are both a result and a reason for identity recognition.

For example, the word 오빠, elder brother, is widely used in international fandoms as a reference to their idols. However, international K-pop fans don’r use this word under the grammar rules. Instead, they mix English or Spanish or Thai with this Korean word to show their identity as a K-pop fan. Similarly, the phrase 사랑해 is commonly used in fandom to express their love towards their idols. Nevertheless, international fans use this phrase despite grammar as well as the formality of speech. These two examples are not enough to provide enough information to reveal the whole picture. By digging into the culture in terms of language, I can get a wider view on this interesting issue.

The Korean sounds overlap mostly with English and Chinese which are the two languages that I am fluent in. Plus I had been listening to Korean language for almost six years. These experience that I have helps me be more natural at pronouncing Korean phonology. Comparing to English and Chinese, Korean language has much more vowels. Just like the example video we saw in class about the tribe, it is hard for me to distinguish two vowel sounds which are close to each other. When I was learning the alphabet, my language partner have to explicitly explain the difference between those sounds for me to hear it. There is one specific vowels that I have never encountered in my language learning process before which is the vowel ㅡ. Neither of the language I spoke have the sound produced by the glottis area. However, since I have been listening to this sound for year, it doesn’t take me long to get it. 그래 which has the closest meaning of “correct” in English. About my target language Korean, I have to practice more on the vowels pronunciation, especially with such subtle difference between each one. To achieve that I would have use the website suggested in class having the audio playing and words on the other side. Also it is important to be able to distinguish the vowels in writing because it might make a huge difference on the meaning of the word. In order to produce these sounds correctly, I would communicate with my language partner that we will arrange not only one class only on correcting my pronunciation but also correct me whenever I was saying things incorrect.

In Korean, sentences contain subject, verb, and object just like Chinese and English. However, the difference is that the order of the sentences are subject+object+verb instead of subject+verb+object in Chinese and English. This might take time for me to get used to it. I do agree with the order offered by the graph. From my perspective, the study of language should follow the order of phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, other advance researches related to language. The alphabet is the first thing that I should learn for Korean. The next step should be learning vocabulary, however, I have already had some words and phrases in my head. Therefore, for me, phonology should be studied with the company of syntax and semantics. Nevertheless, I should start with the basic grammar rules such as simple sentences and present tense. 

I do have a preference of structural approach which emphasizes on learning the rules first, which is the way that I have been leaning English. I do like to keep the rules in mind so that I could switch parts and use them to express my own ideas. I do believe knowing words first would make the foundation for the other part of the learning process. By knowing language structures I would be able to better design my language learning plan and divide my attention to those three main parts more evenly.