Language Learning Journal #3
At the beginning of every language partner meeting, my partner and Kate, her other student, meet together to check in on how we’ve been and what the weeks ahead look like, all in Korean. These group check-ins are a valuable opportunity to practice conversational Korean and improve my ability to engage in group dynamics. Speaking and understanding Korean in these casual yet structured conversations has helped me learn more about everyday conversational patterns and cultural nuances. One key aspect I’ve noticed is the difference in language used between students and teachers compared to friends like Kate. Navigating these differences during group discussions has been both challenging and enlightening, as I’ve gained a better understanding of the importance of formality and hierarchy in Korean language and culture.
Over the past few weeks, my language learning group has continued watching the series Moving. This activity serves two primary purposes: improving Korean listening and comprehension skills and learning about Korean culture through the experiences of the characters. As the series progresses, it has introduced information about Korea’s history, including its relationships with neighboring countries like China and North Korea, as well as allied nations such as the United States. Watching these historical and political elements unfold has been fascinating, as it provides insight into the broader context of modern Korean society. For example, discussions about South Korea’s formation as a nation have prompted me to ask questions about events like the Korean War and its long-lasting impacts. These discussions allow us to not only learn the language but also deepen our understanding of Korea’s place in the world.
After watching each episode, our group engages in conversations about concepts we don’t understand or topics we want to explore further. Recently, we added a new activity: summarizing the episode and sharing our favorite parts in Korean. This has proven to be especially challenging for me, as synthesizing complex ideas from the show into concise Korean sentences requires careful thought and creativity. Often, I find myself using 10 simple words to explain what could be expressed in one or two more advanced terms, which highlights my current limitations in vocabulary and grammar. However, this exercise has been incredibly valuable in pushing me to expand my language skills and practice forming coherent thoughts in Korean.
Looking ahead, one of my primary goals for the rest of the semester is to improve my ability to discuss more complex topics in group settings. To achieve this, I plan to focus on learning vocabulary and sentence structures that allow me to express abstract or detailed ideas more effectively. Another goal is to develop a stronger sense of when to use formal language and which types of formal expressions are appropriate for different situations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating Korean social and cultural dynamics.
Outside of language partner meetings, I plan to watch Korean news programs or documentaries to observe how language is used in various formal and professional contexts. This will also help me learn how to talk about current events, a skill I hope to incorporate into our discussions during language partner sessions. By combining these efforts, I aim to strengthen both my conversational fluency and cultural understanding.
At the beginning of every language partner meeting, my partner and Kate, her other student, meet together to check in on how we’ve been and what the weeks ahead look like, all in Korean. These group check-ins are a valuable opportunity to practice conversational Korean and improve my ability to engage in group dynamics. Speaking and understanding Korean in these casual yet structured conversations has helped me learn more about everyday conversational patterns and cultural nuances. One key aspect I’ve noticed is the difference in language used between students and teachers compared to friends like Kate. Navigating these differences during group discussions has been both challenging and enlightening, as I’ve gained a better understanding of the importance of formality and hierarchy in Korean language and culture.
Over the past few weeks, my language learning group has continued watching the series Moving. This activity serves two primary purposes: improving Korean listening and comprehension skills and learning about Korean culture through the experiences of the characters. As the series progresses, it has introduced information about Korea’s history, including its relationships with neighboring countries like China and North Korea, as well as allied nations such as the United States. Watching these historical and political elements unfold has been fascinating, as it provides insight into the broader context of modern Korean society. For example, discussions about South Korea’s formation as a nation have prompted me to ask questions about events like the Korean War and its long-lasting impacts. These discussions allow us to not only learn the language but also deepen our understanding of Korea’s place in the world.
After watching each episode, our group engages in conversations about concepts we don’t understand or topics we want to explore further. Recently, we added a new activity: summarizing the episode and sharing our favorite parts in Korean. This has proven to be especially challenging for me, as synthesizing complex ideas from the show into concise Korean sentences requires careful thought and creativity. Often, I find myself using 10 simple words to explain what could be expressed in one or two more advanced terms, which highlights my current limitations in vocabulary and grammar. However, this exercise has been incredibly valuable in pushing me to expand my language skills and practice forming coherent thoughts in Korean.
Looking ahead, one of my primary goals for the rest of the semester is to improve my ability to discuss more complex topics in group settings. To achieve this, I plan to focus on learning vocabulary and sentence structures that allow me to express abstract or detailed ideas more effectively. Another goal is to develop a stronger sense of when to use formal language and which types of formal expressions are appropriate for different situations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating Korean social and cultural dynamics.
Outside of language partner meetings, I plan to watch Korean news programs or documentaries to observe how language is used in various formal and professional contexts. This will also help me learn how to talk about current events, a skill I hope to incorporate into our discussions during language partner sessions. By combining these efforts, I aim to strengthen both my conversational fluency and cultural understanding.
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