105 Learning Journal #10

[Henry Trinh]

From class we learned that learning how to speak a language is not only the most common method of language use, but also the easiest to learn for most people. Thus, I have been primarily focusing on that aspect. However, I have tried learning the alphabet and the reading and writing system as well. I must say that the process is not easy. The Korean alphabet has several rules to it, but the fact that there is an alphabet makes it a lot easier than a character system such as Chinese. I do understand that if I could perfect the alphabet, that I would be able to use the language more and would help me to supplement my language learning. For example, when watching Korean dramas, if I could turn on the Korean subtitles, I would be activating another sense and another part of my brain because I would be interpreting what the people are saying and focusing on translating the subtitles. I've found this method to be useful when I was learning Mandarin. Also, struggling to read the newspaper was something that I've found to be useful as well. I know that if I was serious about reading and writing, that something like Rosetta Stone would be perfect because it utilizes a matching figure that allows the user to first see the word and then match it. From there, it drills the word into the users mind through repetition. This really helps with the reading process. Overall, I've found it difficult to read and write in the language on my own, but it is definitely doable with more time and techniques such as matching and practice.