Discussion Post #7

[Kayla Wise]

Looking back on my presentation of my learning plan from the beginning of the semester, I’m realizing that it may take me a little longer than I anticipated to achieve my language learning goals. So far I have achieved learning the alphabet and I know a couple of phrases to use in casual conversation such as “hello” or in Korean annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요), but my vocabulary is lacking a lot as I’m currently learning grammar and syntax so I can form words and be able to construct sentences. In addition, I also had to re-evaluate the tools and resources to use to help me reach my language goals. For example, I quickly discovered that Duolingo made it more difficult for me in the beginning as I was trying to learn the alphabet since it started to throw me random topics that I did not know yet, especially without even knowing the alphabet. So far I think watching YouTube videos and using online websites such as KoreanClass101.com have really helped me a lot in understanding grammar structures, and I definitely think it will be helpful in the near future as I work on expanding my vocabulary. Listening exercises have been most helpful for me in learning Korean, and practicing my pronunciation with my language partner has increased my confidence in my speaking abilities. I’ve found the phonetics unit most applicable to my language learning as I learned to deconstruct parts of words in their simplest form such as in phones and vowels, which really improved my understanding of grammar structures in Korean. It’s almost like completing a puzzle by connecting different segments of language together and understanding how it changes the sounds that are made. In addition, learning about the characteristics of different cultures has really expanded my understanding of the relationship between language and culture, such as individual vs. collectivist cultures as this has given me greater insight into the ways my language and grammar must adapt in different contexts when communicating with native speakers. Based on readings by H.D. Brown, I think the grammatical and sociolinguistic competences have been emphasized the most so far in my language learning plan. I think it will take me awhile to implement discourse competence as I don’t have much vocabulary and reading/writing/speaking skills to engage in back and forth conversations, but as I become put in these unfamiliar situations this will definitely help me to improve my strategic competence as I progress in my language learning goals.

[Emma Hoholik]

Hey Kayla! I definitely am experiencing similar feelings and frustrations about learning Slovak. Just like Slovak, Korean is a very different language with additional letters in their alphabets and new sounds in their phonetic inventory. There are so many new words, sounds, and grammatical concepts to learn that it can all become super overwhelming. Thank you for being so honest and open about your language learning journey. I look forward to hearing more about your experiences in and progress with Korean. Cheers!