Discussion Post #3

[Kayla Wise]

Learning about language structures has helped me to better plan the kinds of methods I will use to accomplish my learning goals. For example, I’ve been working on learning the alphabet which has focused primarily on learning to say the sounds correctly, which encompasses phonetics (Jean Aitchison 8). I found the diagram to be very helpful in giving me a direction for what aspects to hone in on in my language learning; however, it is important to recognize that focusing solely on each aspect of language structure as “levels” as this can diminish the interrelationship between various facets of language (Crystal 181-182). I think of it as the levels move from the center outwards, each facet of language utilizes the skills from the inner levels beneath it. In other words, my current language learning of the phonetics of Korean will set the foundation for my future learning goals relating to syntax, which involves forming words and phrases (Jean Aitchison 10). It was also really interesting to consider the ways that language is intertwined with other areas of study and the functioning of our lives. Of all the disciplinary approaches to language, I think I have a preference for sociocultural linguistics as I’m really interested in learning about Korean culture and being able to interact with native speakers as I plan to visit Korea one day. So far, I think watching a Korean drama called Sky Castle with my learning group has helped me to apply this approach to language learning as I got to see interactions between native Korean speakers in the context of their cultural norms regarding the competitive nature of their educational system. Once I improve my language skills in Korean, I would love to incorporate stylistics and explore traditional Korean literature, and possibly anthropological linguistics someday as I’m planning to pursue a career in healthcare and have an interest in serving abroad. In addition, to prepare for our upcoming assignment to teach our classmates something in our target language, I plan to utilize applied linguistic methods in my presentation.