110 Monthly Language Learning Journal – Entry 1:
This month, I began my journey learning Korean with a focus on listening and cultural immersion. My primary goal was to familiarize myself with the language’s sounds and flow while preparing ideas for future discussions and planning my approach for the course. While I haven’t started working on writing or learning the alphabet yet, I’ve made strides in understanding Korean speech through music and media.
Tasks and Goals:
My tasks were centered on listening to Korean music and podcasts and brainstorming potential discussion topics for when I start working with a language partner. I spent time exploring K-pop songs, particularly “I AM” by IVE, to immerse myself in the rhythm and structure of Korean speech. My main goal was to get a sense of how the language sounds in natural contexts and identify themes or vocabulary that I can build on later.
Reflections on Partner Interactions:
While I haven’t started formal sessions with a language partner yet, I’ve been preparing by outlining discussion ideas. My plan is to focus on simple conversational topics, like introductions, daily activities, and cultural exchanges, once I begin these interactions. This preparation has helped me clarify what I want to achieve in the next few weeks.
Strategies Used:
I’ve primarily used listening-based strategies. K-pop has been a significant resource, allowing me to immerse myself in the natural rhythm and pronunciation of Korean. I’ve also watched subtitled Korean videos to gain some exposure to how words and phrases are used contextually. Additionally, I started organizing potential topics for practice sessions, such as discussing hobbies or comparing cultural traditions.
Evaluation of Strategies:
These strategies have been somewhat effective. Listening to K-pop and other media gave me a better sense of how Korean sounds in real-world contexts, but the fast pace of songs made it challenging to pick up specific words or phrases. Watching subtitled videos helped bridge this gap, providing clarity on meaning and pronunciation. However, without working on the alphabet or vocabulary, my progress feels limited to recognition rather than comprehension.
Building on My Learning:
In the next phase, I plan to start working on foundational vocabulary and slow listening exercises, such as beginner podcasts or guided dialogues. This will help me transition from passive listening to active understanding. I also want to incorporate structured activities like creating flashcards or repeating key phrases.
Emotional Reflection:
This first step has been exciting but also a little overwhelming. I felt enthusiastic listening to music and imagining future conversations, but I was also frustrated by how little I understood. Still, these challenges have motivated me to refine my approach and set clearer goals.
Cultural Connections:
Exploring K-pop, particularly “I AM” by IVE, gave me insights into modern Korean music and its themes of empowerment and individuality. This connection to Korean culture has deepened my appreciation for the language and its artistic expression.
Successes and Challenges:
A significant success was recognizing patterns in the rhythm and sounds of Korean through consistent listening. My biggest challenge has been understanding spoken Korean at natural speeds and planning how to bridge this gap.
Revisions to Goals:
For the next two weeks, I will focus on learning basic vocabulary, exploring slower audio resources, and structuring my discussions for when I begin partner sessions.
This month, I began my journey learning Korean with a focus on listening and cultural immersion. My primary goal was to familiarize myself with the language’s sounds and flow while preparing ideas for future discussions and planning my approach for the course. While I haven’t started working on writing or learning the alphabet yet, I’ve made strides in understanding Korean speech through music and media.
Tasks and Goals:
My tasks were centered on listening to Korean music and podcasts and brainstorming potential discussion topics for when I start working with a language partner. I spent time exploring K-pop songs, particularly “I AM” by IVE, to immerse myself in the rhythm and structure of Korean speech. My main goal was to get a sense of how the language sounds in natural contexts and identify themes or vocabulary that I can build on later.
Reflections on Partner Interactions:
While I haven’t started formal sessions with a language partner yet, I’ve been preparing by outlining discussion ideas. My plan is to focus on simple conversational topics, like introductions, daily activities, and cultural exchanges, once I begin these interactions. This preparation has helped me clarify what I want to achieve in the next few weeks.
Strategies Used:
I’ve primarily used listening-based strategies. K-pop has been a significant resource, allowing me to immerse myself in the natural rhythm and pronunciation of Korean. I’ve also watched subtitled Korean videos to gain some exposure to how words and phrases are used contextually. Additionally, I started organizing potential topics for practice sessions, such as discussing hobbies or comparing cultural traditions.
Evaluation of Strategies:
These strategies have been somewhat effective. Listening to K-pop and other media gave me a better sense of how Korean sounds in real-world contexts, but the fast pace of songs made it challenging to pick up specific words or phrases. Watching subtitled videos helped bridge this gap, providing clarity on meaning and pronunciation. However, without working on the alphabet or vocabulary, my progress feels limited to recognition rather than comprehension.
Building on My Learning:
In the next phase, I plan to start working on foundational vocabulary and slow listening exercises, such as beginner podcasts or guided dialogues. This will help me transition from passive listening to active understanding. I also want to incorporate structured activities like creating flashcards or repeating key phrases.
Emotional Reflection:
This first step has been exciting but also a little overwhelming. I felt enthusiastic listening to music and imagining future conversations, but I was also frustrated by how little I understood. Still, these challenges have motivated me to refine my approach and set clearer goals.
Cultural Connections:
Exploring K-pop, particularly “I AM” by IVE, gave me insights into modern Korean music and its themes of empowerment and individuality. This connection to Korean culture has deepened my appreciation for the language and its artistic expression.
Successes and Challenges:
A significant success was recognizing patterns in the rhythm and sounds of Korean through consistent listening. My biggest challenge has been understanding spoken Korean at natural speeds and planning how to bridge this gap.
Revisions to Goals:
For the next two weeks, I will focus on learning basic vocabulary, exploring slower audio resources, and structuring my discussions for when I begin partner sessions.
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