In the last two weeks of 110 SDLAP, I focused on Korean idioms/idiomatic expressions with my language partner. 관용어 in Korean, idioms are typically traditional says as well as commonly used expressions. The Korean language is full of idioms. Knowing and using idioms, therefore, provide proficiency and a deeper understanding of the language as well as culture. It’s actually really interesting to recognize that human body parts are utilized frequently in Korean idioms. For example, 코가 놉다 (“nose is high” = arrogant) and 코 묻은돈 (“money with snot” = baby/toddler’s saved up allowance) both use the word 코 (nose) and have no correlation in meaning. Another example is the usage of 눈 (eye): 눈이 놉다 (“eyes are high” = have high standards) and 눈밖에 나다 (“grow outside of eyes” = to be out of favor with someone). There are plenty of non-body related idioms such as 파리 날리다 (“flies flying” = so empty there’s flies in the room). When my language partner Jimin and I listed this specific goal, I wanted to make sure I could get comfortable enough to use common idioms on a daily basis, or at least understand a large portion of typically used expressions. It was reassuring to already know the meaning of some of the idioms. It gives you a little bit of confidence to know some of the material you’re learning and also fuels your motivation.
I like the way Jimin introduces the material to us. She writes the content up on the board (one by one) and asks the group (Tommy, Somyung, and I) what we think the meaning is. As the group throws up funny definitions and tries to understand the idioms, I take time to write down the Korean phrase as writing practice. I think it gives me good spelling (where to place the 받침 - learned in a previous week) practice as well as handwriting practice. Being able to learn cultural context with others who are learning and studying the language is really helpful. Being able to interact with not only Jimin but others like Somyung and Tommy gives more speaking practice and fun, which adds to better retention.
This past week, I sadly couldn’t make it to our weekly meeting. The group watched the four Oscar-winning movie Parasite. Luckily, I’ve watched the movie twice, so I didn’t miss out on much. Watching movies in the language you’re learning, including TV shows and listening to music, helps with picking up phrases and words. As someone who isn’t a beginner, it’s always nice to hear Korean more frequently through media since I’m no longer surrounded by family and friends who speak Korean. Parasite is a difficult movie––difficult but perfect to understand an aspect of Korean society. As it’s a social criticism and commentary on social class and mobility, it shows the reality (and sort of exaggerated reality) of Korea. Reflecting back on the two times I saw the movie, I learned culturally new things each time and also reflected on my experience growing up in the country. I think the movie really puts you off but also makes you think a lot––very vague statements, but I don’t want to spoil anything! I really think watching Kdramas and Korean films are one of the best additional resources as it exposes you to the culture and language while providing entertainment.
Comments
Hi Ellie, thanks for the sharing. I didn't really include learning idiomatic expressions in my learning plan at first but now I regret it. Despite the importance of learning the formal language and structures, it's also useful to learn these phrases to better, in a more natural way of, communicate with people.
That is awesome Jimin is teaching you idiomatic expressions! It seems as though when we are first learning a language, we learn the most formal and proper way of grammar usage. By learning commonly used phrases and expressions, it allows us to learn a more natural way of speaking. One of my professors once told me that the best way to tell if you know a language through-and-through is if you can use sarcasm, because it uses also tone of voice and context of the situation. I feel as though idioms are also a great way to tell if a person knows a language, because if you can use idioms naturally, you are confident enough to speak both formally and informally.
Great post Ellie! I think it's interesting as well that Hangul utilizes body parts in its idioms. When I first learned idioms with Jimin, I simultaneously enjoyed and was confused. However, I quickly got used to them when I heard usages of these idioms in Korean dramas.