All Posts (9261)

Sort by

Spring 2024 - Cultural Post 3

The Imjin War began in 1592 when Japan invaded the Korean peninsula. The war ended in 1598 in a Korean victory and the expulsion of Japanese forces from the peninsula. Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s naval warfare strategy played a crucial role in repelling the invasion. His ‘turtle ships’ were essential to many of his victories. These unique vessels, developed by the admiral himself, revolutionized maritime combat in East Asia and left an indelible mark on naval history. The term turtle ship is a direct translation of geobukseon (거북선).

12746903064?profile=original

Older, first-generation turtle ships existed as early as the beginning of the 15th century. However, they gradually disappeared as the Joseon dynasty’s military fell into a state of neglect during a long period of peace. Admiral Yi Sun-sin made key changes that turned the turtle ship into an irreplaceable asset.

12746903091?profile=original

The new turtle ship's design was distinctive, featuring a rounded, armored hull resembling the shell of a turtle, hence the name. This hull was reinforced with iron plating, providing exceptional durability and protection against enemy attacks. Additionally, the ship's low profile and protruding spikes made it difficult for enemy vessels to board or ram it. It is believed by some historians that the turtle ship is the very first iteration of the ‘ironclad’ vessels that would emerge during the American Civil War.

One of the most iconic features of the turtle ship was its dragon-shaped head at the bow, which served both functional and psychological purposes. This prow not only enhanced the ship's ramming capabilities but also struck fear into the hearts of enemy sailors, bolstering Korean morale while demoralizing adversaries. The mouth of the dragon could in some cases project a toxic smoke that could also serve as a smokescreen.

In terms of armament, turtle ships were equipped with an array of cannons and firearms, strategically positioned along their sides and within the hull. This allowed for devastating broadside attacks, capable of crippling enemy ships with a single volley.

12746903675?profile=original

The effectiveness of the turtle ships was in full display during several key naval battles of the Imjin War. The Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597 is a prime example, where Admiral Yi, despite being vastly outnumbered, annihilated a Japanese fleet of over 300 ships using only 13 turtle ships.

The turtle ships were therefore crucial in safeguarding Korean waters and repelling wave after wave of Japanese invasions during the war. Full credit is of course also due to Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s military brilliance. Today, turtle ships are well remembered and respected for their role during the Imjin War.

Read more…

I am currently working on my final cultural research presentation and my final podcast with my language partner. I am planning on presenting about the influence of Buddhism in Korea. My presentation will start with the origins of Buddhism and how it spread across the country. I will present some of the major Buddhist sites that have survived to this day. I will also describe Buddhism’s lasting influence on Korean society, as well as define common Korean words and phrases that relate to Buddhism.

These last few weeks I continued to meet with my partner to hold conversations in Korean. At the beginning of this semester, I was hoping that I would be at a more advanced conversation stage by now. Nevertheless, I am happy with my progress and look forward to continuing my learning after graduation. I believe that my Korean conversation is more fluid than it was at the end of Fall, although it still has a long way to go. I have also learned many new vocabulary terms and phrases that I have kept track of in my notes.

I also recently explored some new language learning techniques on my own. I dedicated some time this week on Naver to read news articles, blogs, and even look at financial charts. Naver is considered the ‘Google of South Korea’ and handles roughly three quarters of the web searches in the country. Navigating this web portal was at first very frustrating given my slow reading, but it was also very interesting to explore the Korean side of the internet. I will certainly be using this more in the future, both to improve my Korean language skills but also to stay updated on Korean news.

Another activity I worked on was simply watching Korean broadcast news on YouTube. I quickly discovered that this required advanced oral comprehension. With my current level and with the help of the images and videos displayed on the screen, I was at the very least able to understand many of the main points of the stories. One video I watched recently discussed the Korean Baseball Organization or KBO’s recently adopted Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Recent blatant errors involving this new system and KBO umpires has caused controversy over the introduction of this robotic umpiring technology.

Watching news is a relatively easy way of learning Korean on the go or in between other tasks. One or two videos several days a week can keep me informed on Korea and also help me sharpen my listening skills.

After graduating this semester, I am planning on continuing to speak in Korean as often as possible with my friends. At the very least, I will aim to have 1-2 hours of conversation a week. I also plan to incorporate Korean news into my regular morning and evening news reading routine. I will also try to occasionally browse Naver during my free time. Of course, I will always keep my mind open to new learning techniques.

Read more…

Learning journal #4

Right now I am working on 

  • Preparing a presentation on South Korean fast food chain brands
  • Continuing to practice reading and writing Hangul characters.

For the presentation, I wanted to research the history and cultural significance of major South Korean fast-food chains like McDonald's, Lotteria, and Popeyes. I also want to learn more vocabulary related. In terms of Hangul practice, I hoped to solidify my knowledge of consonant and vowel sounds, as well as improve my ability to read and write words and short phrases. I was able to have a productive conversation with my language partner about popular South Korean fast food chains. David provided helpful background information on the history and growth of these brands. He also offered insights into how they are viewed within Korean culture, and this is very helpful since I can get perspective that may never come to my own mind. We discussed vocabulary related to food, restaurants, and business, which will be useful for my presentation.

My language partner also encouraged me to continue practicing reading and writing Hangul, as he believes it is crucial for developing a strong foundation in the language. We reviewed some basic vocabularies and tried to integrate them into my presentation. 

For the presentation research, I utilized a variety of online resources, including news articles, company websites, and cultural blogs. I also watched some YouTube videos that provided an overview of the South Korean fast food industry.I am looking forward to learning more about this cultural artifact as I research. 

Read more…

Spring 2024 - Cultural Post 4

Cultural Post 4

12746903257?profile=original

            The Seokguram Grotto is a major cultural site in South Korea and part of the UNESCO world heritage list. It is a Buddhist cave temple part of the Bulguksa complex in Gyeongju, in the Southwest of the peninsula. It was built during the Unified Silla period in the 8th century, when Buddhism was the official state religion. It is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Buddhist art and architecture.

 12746903284?profile=original

           Cave temple/'Chaityas' such as these inspired the architecture of the Seokguram temple

            The grotto showcases the cultural that occurred in the ancient world between Korea and India. Buddhism of course travelled from India, through China, and eventually to Korea. Many artistic themes and techniques were also transferred to Korea during this period. The structure of the grotto is heavily inspired by Indian ‘chaityas,’ which refers to a shrine, sactuary, temple or prayer hall. Like its Indian counterparts, the Seokguram Grotto features and apse, or semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome. Carving the image of the Buddha into natural hills and caves also originated from India.

12746903654?profile=original

            The Seokguram Grotto has distinctly Korean facial features. He also shares characteristics of the Buddha that are universal in all Buddhist art, such as his style of drapery and halo. His ‘usnisa’ on his forehead is a symbol of wisdom and his hand positions symbolize enlightenment. He is guarded by an assortment of bodhisattvas, disciples, and Hindu gods. They are traditional elements of Buddhist belief. The sculptures are impressively detailed given that the medium was hard granite, which is very dense and difficult to sculpt.

12746904055?profile=original

The grotto has seen heavy reconstruction and repairs that changed its initial appearance.

           The Grotto has changed in appearance since its initial construction, due to centuries of decay and modifications made due to renovations. Repairs and improvements were undertaken in the 18th century during the Joseon century. However, due to widespread hostility towards Buddhism by the Confucian government, the grotto remained in a poor state by the 20th century. Further renovations were started during the Japanese occupation, however technique likely led to even more damage being made to the structure overall. It was only after World War II, in the 1960s, when President Park Chung Hee that the grotto was finally fully restored.

12746904254?profile=originalThe entrance to the grotto

            Today, the grotto is a popular cultural and touristic site. However, the interior of the grotto is only visible through a glass wall to protect its integrity. The area just outside the grotto also happens to be a very popular place to view sunrises.

12746904083?profile=original

Read more…

Cultural Artifact #4

Confucianism has left a profound and enduring legacy in Korea, shaping its culture, society, and intellectual history from its introduction to the present day. The roots of Confucianism in Korea can be traced back to the fifth century CE when the "Three Teachings" of China, including Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, made their way into the Korean peninsula. Korean Confucians embraced Confucian ideas, particularly those emphasizing hierarchy and moral leadership, to establish a powerful state bureaucracy and promote a structured and organized way of life.

Throughout Korean history, Confucianism played a pivotal role in guiding societal norms and values. Confucian principles such as filial piety, respect for elders, and the importance of education became deeply ingrained in Korean society. Confucianism provided a moral framework for individuals, families, and the state, emphasizing the cultivation of virtue and ethical behavior.

During the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), Korean Confucianism underwent a significant transformation with the rise of Neo-Confucianism. Neo-Confucian thinkers like An Hyang and Chŏng Tojŏn introduced new philosophical ideas that reshaped Korean intellectual discourse. Neo-Confucianism emphasized the importance of Principle, human nature, and social transformation, influencing various aspects of Korean life, including governance, education, and ethics.

One of the key features of Korean Confucianism is the concept of sagehood, which refers to the moral transformation of individuals through self-cultivation and concerted effort. Korean Confucians aspired to become sages by embodying virtuous qualities and upholding ethical standards. This pursuit of sagehood reflected a commitment to personal growth and moral excellence, aligning with the broader Confucian emphasis on self-improvement and social harmony.

As Korea entered the modern era and underwent significant social and political changes, Confucianism faced challenges and transformations. The nineteenth century witnessed the emergence of modernization in East Asia, leading to debates and conflicts between Confucian scholars and other intellectual currents. Confucianism continued to influence Korean society, but its role evolved in response to changing circumstances and ideologies.

In the contemporary era, the legacy of Confucianism in Korea remains visible in various aspects of Korean culture and society. While Confucian practices may not hold the same prominence as in the past, elements of Confucian ethics and values continue to shape Korean identity and social norms. Confucian principles of respect, harmony, and moral cultivation still resonate in Korean attitudes towards education, family, and community.

Overall, the legacy of Confucianism in Korea is a testament to its enduring influence and adaptability over centuries. From its early introduction to its evolution into Neo-Confucianism and its impact on modern Korean society, Confucianism has left a lasting imprint on Korean culture, ethics, and intellectual traditions.

Read more…

Language Learning Journal #4

Over the past few weeks, my focus has shifted significantly towards understanding and mastering Korean idiomatic expressions, which Jason, my language partner, assures me are crucial for sounding native. Our sessions, typically lasting two hours each week, have been intense and immensely productive. We've delved deeply into the subtleties of these expressions, which has been both challenging and enlightening.

One of the main hurdles I've encountered is the sheer complexity and variety of idiomatic expressions in Korean compared to English. Each session, we dissect several phrases, examining how they're used in different contexts. This practical approach has proven to be very effective, as it allows me to apply these phrases in simulated real-life scenarios. For instance, learning expressions like "손에 꼽다" (son-e kkok-da, which means 'to count on one’s fingers', used for describing rare events) has opened up new ways for me to express rarity or scarcity in conversation. Moreover, Jason has introduced me to the intricacies of Korean proverbs and their cultural significance. This has not only expanded my vocabulary but also deepened my understanding of Korean culture, which is inextricably linked to the language itself. For example, the proverb "개천에서 용 난다" (gaecheon-eseo yong nanda, meaning 'a dragon rises from a small stream') has taught me about the Korean value of humble beginnings and potential for greatness, regardless of one’s initial circumstances.

In addition to our focus on idiomatic expressions and proverbs, we have continued to hone my pronunciation. Jason corrects me rigorously, ensuring that I grasp the nuances of tone and inflection that are so important in Korean. This has sometimes been a source of frustration, as achieving the subtlety of native pronunciation is daunting. However, these challenges have only made the moments of breakthrough more rewarding. Our sessions are conducted exclusively in Korean, for the most part, which pushes me to improve my conversational skills continuously. We rarely switch to English unless absolutely necessary, which forces me to think and respond in Korean spontaneously. This immersive method has been crucial in advancing my fluency. Outside of our scheduled sessions, I make it a point to engage with Korean media—watching films, listening to podcasts, and even following Korean news online. This not only helps with my listening skills but also keeps me updated with contemporary usage and slang, which will be invaluable when I interact with native speakers once I go abroad.

While the journey of learning Korean has been fraught with challenges, it has also been incredibly gratifying. The support from Jason, combined with my own efforts to immerse myself in the language and culture, has significantly boosted my confidence. I am eager to continue this journey, looking forward to achieving greater fluency that I’ll hopefully hone in on even after the semester is over.

Read more…

Reflection Paper 2

Throughout this semester I have learned a lot about linguistics and about the value of learning languages beyond just furthering communication. I had understood some of the parts of grammar from learning French, and I was aware of how some languages used different aspects of grammar which weren’t present in another language because of learning Korean particles. I’ve also learned about the cognitive and neuroscience behind the acquisition of foreign languages. The videos on color recognition and the sound associations with children and adults demonstrated how languages shape our understanding and perception of the world. I have to admit though that my personal progress hasn’t been significant in the last semester. I think I benefit from the organized environment of a traditional language classroom because I have always enjoyed in-class learning and I tend to absorb the textbook vocabulary. I also realized that I really enjoyed mixing in the cultural aspects of language learning. Whether it was through the esports presentations me and Logan did in class, or simply responding to questions about Korean that were posed by Dr. Marsh-Soloway, and having that prompt a discussion between the class about how something works in Korea.

When looking at the future I see my language learning journey being centered around immersion. I plan to move to Korea in the coming winter to teach English at a public school or 학원. I know that I work best when I am forced to do something and be in a working environment, as opposed to asynchronous studying, and having to keep myself to a schedule. By being in Korea I will be forced to speak Korean every day, listen to it all the time, and I will learn new words constantly. I would also like to enroll in language classes while I am there to propel my language learning, and target my writing skills. I think after the class I am actually looking forward to trying to learn more languages than just French and Korean, and maybe claiming that polyglot title. If I go down the history academia route then I would learn Polish or Russian because I am interested in the history of Slavic Europe in the early 20th century. My learning here would targeted around reading, writing, and historical cultural study, whereas Korean I want to be conversationally fluent because I want to be able to communicate freely with my Korean friends and effectively live and work in Korea. 

In class I found the dialect discussion particularly interesting, and I enjoyed taking the New York Times dialect quiz. It was interesting how it was sort of accurate to my current location, but it also had a strong presence from the Southwest where my dad and his family are from. On a similar geographic note I thought the concept of a sprachbund was really interesting, and I liked learning about the language families and visualizing them on the various tree diagrams. One thing I would want to do more of was our grammar exercise where we tried to break down various languages’ structures. I find that comparing the grammar structures of languages is one, fun, but also very helpful for understanding what methods you can use in understanding your target language. It is also a really good way to understand how grammar works structurally, and can demonstrate how the way a language is structured can affect your understanding of the world because you construct sentences in a very different way. 

Thank you for the class Dr. Marsh-Soloway, I looked forward to class every Tuesday, and I found our learning consistently fun and enjoyable.

Sincerely,
Ben Reilman

Read more…

Reflection Paper #2

Taking the SDLC 105 course this semester has been an incredibly enriching and fun experience that will help me a lot in the hard task that is acquiring new languages. During the last 14 weeks or so, I have developed basic skills in recognizing linguistic and cultural patterns in different languages that the whole experience of learning a new language more holistic, fun, and easy.

One of these concepts that I have learned during the semester is morphology. While I interact with words all the time, I did not know how to understand them in terms of their composition with affixes in all their variations. This concept came to me pretty naturally because I can recognize these patterns in the English, Spanish and even the Korean language. As such, visualizing how words are constructed in Korean or Hebrew (my target languages) is going to make learning vocabulary much easier.

Also, understanding the connection between language and culture has been extremely interesting to look into. Not only is it important to understand this relationship to better understand how a language formed its particularities, but also to get a better experience of learning said language. To put this idea briefly, it is much more effective and engaging to learn Korean while interacting with locals, their customs and history, rather than just by reading from a textbook. I definitely plan to apply this framework with my future journey with the Korean language, as I have already done it before when studying abroad in Seoul, and it was one of the best learning experiences of my life.

One particular activity that I really liked doing this semester was when we had to identify verbs, pronouns, and tenses by analyzing a group of words in several languages like Turkish and Swahili. I felt really good when identifying these patterns and even more when I made my own sentences with the words I recognized. Hopefully I will be able to replicate this to some extent with Hebrew, a language that has patterns such as suffixes that change depending on the gender.

In terms of readings we covered this semester, “Communicate Competence” from Principles of Language Learning and Teaching by H.D. Brown was probably the one that had the biggest impact this semester. In the chapter, H.D Brown proposes the complexities of acquiring language competence. More specifically, there are two main branches that conform language competency, those being organizational competency – which includes elements such as vocabulary, syntax, and morphology – and pragmatic competency – which undermines more cultural aspects like recognition of dialects and of figures of speech. This made complete sense to me since one can handle the basic structure of a language (vocabulary and syntax) without actually being able to engage in a conversation with a native of the target language, a situation that in my eyes would not entail competency of any language. This shows that languages are more than just structures that one has to systematically learn in order to communicate. Learning a language up to a point where one is competent requires a holistic approach that involves direct interactions with fluent speakers, as well as an immersion into the culture to fully grasp the context in which the language one is learning lives in.

I truly hope to take all these lessons and the ones not mentioned here and use them to make the best of my journey in learning the Korean and Hebrew Language, and I thank everyone in my SDLC 105 class that made this process as enjoyable as it could be.

 

Read more…

Cultural Post #4

Smoking is a prevalent cultural phenomenon in South Korea, with high rates of cigarette consumption compared to many other developed nations. However, there are some unique aspects of smoking culture in Korea:

Cigarette Advertising: One of the most distinct features of smoking in Korea is the pervasive cigarette advertising and marketing. Tobacco companies in Korea have been able to advertise their products more freely compared to strict regulations in many Western countries. Cigarette ads are commonly seen on billboards, in magazines, and even in subway stations. This advertising culture helps normalize and perpetuate smoking as a social norm.

Smoking Lounges: Another unique aspect is the widespread availability of designated smoking lounges and areas, even in public spaces like airports and shopping malls. These enclosed, ventilated smoking rooms provide a dedicated space for smokers, allowing them to indulge their habit without impacting non-smokers. This reflects the social acceptance of smoking in Korean culture.

Smoking Etiquette: There are also distinct social etiquette around smoking in Korea. For example, it is considered polite for a younger person to offer a cigarette to an older person as a sign of respect. Smoking is also more common in social settings like bars and restaurants, where it is seen as a way to bond with friends and colleagues.

Anti-Smoking Campaigns: However, in recent years, the Korean government has launched aggressive anti-smoking campaigns to combat the high smoking rates, especially among youth. This includes graphic health warnings on cigarette packs and restrictions on advertising. But the deeply entrenched smoking culture means changing social attitudes remains an ongoing challenge.

Overall, the smoking phenomenon in Korea reflects the complex interplay between cultural norms, commercial interests, and public health concerns.

Read more…

Blog Topics by Tags

Monthly Archives