Language Learning Journal 4
For the last part of the semester, my language learning group has been reflecting on how our language-learning journey has evolved. Using the language I am learning, Korean, to discuss language acquisition feels very meta. However, it’s also deeply insightful as it shows me how much progress I have made throughout the semester. During our meetings, we explored a variety of topics related to Korean history, culture, and language, all while conversing in Korean.
One particularly engaging discussion led us to talk about crime and politics in Korea. This conversation sparked my interest in Korean true crime documentaries, through which I gained a deeper understanding of some pivotal cases that continue to resonate with Korean society.
One documentary I watched was Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror, which covers recent events surrounding cybercrime in Korea. It was both informative and eye-opening, as it highlighted societal issues and the role of Korean law enforcement. Through this, I also learned more about the structure and challenges of Korea’s legal system. Unlike in the United States, many of the issues facing Korean law enforcement stem from the country’s homogeneity and unique social structure. Korea’s small size and high level of connectivity mean that current events and news spread rapidly, reaching even those with limited access to television or the internet. This interconnectedness plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and collective responses to major societal events.
In addition to exploring current events, I also delved into Korea’s history through its cinema. Movies like Mr. Sunshine and Battleship Island depict Korea’s struggle during the Japanese occupation. While these films do not always portray events with complete historical accuracy, they provide valuable insights into the emotions, challenges, and resistance of Koreans during that era. Watching these films gave me a better understanding of Korean sentiments toward this period and the cultural impact it still has today. While engaging with these movies, I also noticed linguistic influences from Japanese on the Korean language. For example, the Korean word 봉투 (bongtu), meaning “envelope,” is derived from the Japanese word ふうとう (fūtō). This realization added another layer to my understanding of the interplay between language and history.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue immersing myself in Korean current events and practicing speaking in a variety of contexts. I want to challenge myself to use Korean in diverse situations, such as group discussions, conversations with people of different age groups, and even interactions with strangers. At the start of the semester, my primary goal was to improve my speaking fluency and deepen my connection between the Korean language and its culture. Reflecting on my journey, I feel that I have made significant progress in these areas. Meeting regularly with my language learning partner, who is a teacher from Korea, and conducting my own research were helpful to me in achieving this progress. I also improved in my writing by writing short journal/diary entries in Korean reflecting on my daily life. I am excited to continue this journey, building on the foundation I have established this semester.
For the last part of the semester, my language learning group has been reflecting on how our language-learning journey has evolved. Using the language I am learning, Korean, to discuss language acquisition feels very meta. However, it’s also deeply insightful as it shows me how much progress I have made throughout the semester. During our meetings, we explored a variety of topics related to Korean history, culture, and language, all while conversing in Korean.
One particularly engaging discussion led us to talk about crime and politics in Korea. This conversation sparked my interest in Korean true crime documentaries, through which I gained a deeper understanding of some pivotal cases that continue to resonate with Korean society.
One documentary I watched was Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror, which covers recent events surrounding cybercrime in Korea. It was both informative and eye-opening, as it highlighted societal issues and the role of Korean law enforcement. Through this, I also learned more about the structure and challenges of Korea’s legal system. Unlike in the United States, many of the issues facing Korean law enforcement stem from the country’s homogeneity and unique social structure. Korea’s small size and high level of connectivity mean that current events and news spread rapidly, reaching even those with limited access to television or the internet. This interconnectedness plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and collective responses to major societal events.
In addition to exploring current events, I also delved into Korea’s history through its cinema. Movies like Mr. Sunshine and Battleship Island depict Korea’s struggle during the Japanese occupation. While these films do not always portray events with complete historical accuracy, they provide valuable insights into the emotions, challenges, and resistance of Koreans during that era. Watching these films gave me a better understanding of Korean sentiments toward this period and the cultural impact it still has today. While engaging with these movies, I also noticed linguistic influences from Japanese on the Korean language. For example, the Korean word 봉투 (bongtu), meaning “envelope,” is derived from the Japanese word ふうとう (fūtō). This realization added another layer to my understanding of the interplay between language and history.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue immersing myself in Korean current events and practicing speaking in a variety of contexts. I want to challenge myself to use Korean in diverse situations, such as group discussions, conversations with people of different age groups, and even interactions with strangers. At the start of the semester, my primary goal was to improve my speaking fluency and deepen my connection between the Korean language and its culture. Reflecting on my journey, I feel that I have made significant progress in these areas. Meeting regularly with my language learning partner, who is a teacher from Korea, and conducting my own research were helpful to me in achieving this progress. I also improved in my writing by writing short journal/diary entries in Korean reflecting on my daily life. I am excited to continue this journey, building on the foundation I have established this semester.
Comments