Discussion Post #7

[Isaac Choe]

In learning Korean, I think I have done a pretty decent job of sticking with my original learning plan. However, I didn’t anticipate how much I enjoy learning the Korean roots, let alone seeing their contemporary applications in everyday language. Hanja sees its vestiges ubiquitous in the Korean language, and this alone has improved my vocabulary, a divergent from my learning plan that was so reliant on the circumlocutions–– a welcomed change in arrangement, in my opinion. This permits more efficient interactions with others, which is also the main function I hope to tackle in my competence. A phatic function makes sense for me since I am a Korean surrounded by other Koreans, and this relates back to discussions on language’s connection with culture. Honorifics are a major part of the Korean language, an effect of the highly structured social conventions in the culture, and as someone who speaks to adults very frequently by virtue of my social relationships, being able to carry a conversation with them is seen as a sign of reverence. Ultimately, I hope to continue a CLT-type approach to my language learning as outlined in the chapter. Actually using Korean, rather than studying it works wonders for me, and I think language learning is akin to the “getting the ball rolling” adage–– using it only becomes easier as one uses it more.