Reflection Paper #1

Language learning in general is never a perfect process—and it certainly hasn't been for me. While I have no direct experience learning Korean, my background with French provides a strong foundation to build upon. My previous approach—focusing on reading, writing, and speaking—taught me valuable lessons about what works for me as a learner and what doesn’t.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about learning a language is the connection it fosters with the culture. For example, listening to French music and engaging in realistic conversational exercises made learning feel practical and fun. These methods kept me motivated and allowed me to see immediate, real-world applications of what I was learning. In contrast, activities focused solely on reading without application felt stagnant and uninspiring. This experience taught me the importance of balancing passive learning with active practice.
The FIRE model (Focus, Investigate, Reflect, Express) aligns well with how I approach language learning. In terms of Focus, I like setting small, achievable goals, such as mastering basic vocabulary or being able to form short sentences. I believe breaking down objectives into manageable tasks makes the learning process less overwhelming. For Investigate, I’ve taken steps to immerse myself in the cultural context of languages. For French, this included taking culturally focused classes (and eventually living in Cergy for abroad), and I plan to adopt a similar strategy for Korean by exploring its film industry and Kpop culture. These cultural insights make the learning process richer and more engaging. Reflecting on progress is another important part of my routine. I enjoy creating mini quizzes to assess where I stand and identify areas that need improvement. Recently, I’ve also started using ChatGPT’s voice applications to practice speaking, which has been an innovative and helpful tool. Finally, in the Express stage, I strive to use the language actively. Whether through realistic conversations or listening to music and trying to sing along, I focus on bringing the language into my daily life. These methods allow me to reinforce what I’ve learned while staying connected to the language in a meaningful way.
As a tactile and auditory learner, I thrive on methods that involve movement and sound. Writing things down helps me internalize new vocabulary and grammar, while listening to music or podcasts makes the language come alive. When combined with speaking practice, these activities provide a well-rounded approach that suits my learning style. Visual aids, like watching videos or reading subtitles, also play a supporting role, though they are less central to my process.
Although I haven’t yet established specific activities for learning Korean, I’m beginning to brainstorm a structured regimen. I plan to work with a personal teacher to incorporate speaking and sound-based learning into my routine. This will likely include daily listening exercises, short writing assignments, and conversational practice.

Additionally, I’m interested in exploring more about Korean cultural norms. My exposure to Kpop and the Korean film industry has sparked a desire to delve deeper into these topics. Learning about cultural context will not only enhance my understanding of the language but also motivate me to stay engaged. My immediate goal is to master the basics of Korean, including essential vocabulary, spelling, and short phrases. Over time, I hope to expand these foundations into meaningful cultural comprehension. Reflecting on my past experiences and integrating them with new strategies will help me approach this journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Ultimately, language learning is about creating connections—both with people and with cultures. By focusing on methods that suit my learning style and incorporating cultural elements into my studies, I am confident that I can make steady progress and enjoy the process along the way.