Since English is my second language, I have experiences of learning a foreign language since very young. I really enjoyed learning English through a conversational environment. After learning basic grammar and simple phrases, it was always fun to talk with people with similar proficiency to practice and learn from each other. However, remembering vocabularies is always the most boring but necessary process of learning a language. I was never a big fan of learning new language because nothing has intrigued me enough to start a long and challenging process. However, I now realized many practical benefits of learning a new language.
According to the FIRE model for integrative thinking, I mostly prefer insightful and rational thinking, as opposed to factual. I learn best when provided with theoretical frameworks, logical rationale, and rules, and given questions for serious thought and reasoning. As a social science major, most questions I encountered do not have one set of answer, so I am used to open-ended questions. Also, I realize that I like to learn in a safe, comfortable, and pleasing environment with attention given by classmates and instructors.
Also, I noticed that it's very helpful to be in a conversational environment when learning a new language. As I just started to learn Korean, I found it really helpful to practice simple dialogue during classes as well as learning the basic alphabets with visual images. My language partner also make some popular culture connections to our learning materials, such us showing Korean Music Videos that contain the phrases we just learned. By doing so definitely makes the class more interesting, and easier to remember.
I have mentioned that I really enjoy to have be in a conversational environment when I learn a new language because I tend to speak more and be more active when there are other students who are at the same level. However, I would not like to be put into a place where everyone is a native Korean speaker when I just started to learn this language because it gives me pressure and cause anxiety when there are too many unknown sentences. I prefer to learn a new language in a conformable setting, and with some fun ways. Also, it's better to know some basic phrases and be somewhat conformable in learning this new language before starting to learn grammar. I think Korean grammar is somewhat complicated and I could feel overwhelmed if given all kinds of information at one time. However, I recognize the importance of studying grammar and set a good foundation for future.
Lastly, I should expand my learning activities by watching Korean videos or TV shows that presents Korean popular culture. It's always easier to learn a language if you love its culture. Also, I am in the process of studying Korean alphabets. Listening to some educational songs regarding how to write and speak the alphabets would also help with memory. I should also find a study partner outside of classroom so we could practice more and be comfortable in speaking the new language.
Comments