As the first time I have ever undertaken independent study that is not research or MCAT related, it has been difficult to really learn Korean effectively and efficiently. I think it is mostly because learning I am trying too hard to learn the language the same way I learned Spanish in school, which was by doing class worksheets and homework, learning the grammar and memorizing vocabulary. That seemed to work for getting me to read, but I could not really have conversations when I tried with native speakers. While my learning goal pretty much includes the same topics as what I learned in my first class in Spanish, I keep forgetting that my objective is to be able to speak Korean and not figure out just the grammar. I was frustrated for a couple weeks because I was learning different phrases but I felt I could not structure sentences because I was missing much of the grammar. I have to keep reminding myself not to get too stuck in the grammar and details and over all try to talk to myself using what I have learned to practice speaking. Sticking to conversation as the main goal has made me progress a bit faster. I think by the end of the semester I will be able to converse enough on a basic survival level at least. I think focusing on learning how to say certain things first also gives me more insight into the way language is structured and I will figure out the grammar eventually. But I also gain insight into the culture.
I have been able to make connections to the culture when I learn different phrases. For example, the Korean language really emphasizes the informal and formal distinctions when talking and using the wrong way can bring a bad impression. I see it even in dramas, sometimes the characters when they first meet they will start speaking formally even if they are near the same age and then they switch. They really notice when they switch from speaking formally to informally. Thus, I think this says that there is hierarchy in Korean society. Respecting elders is a must. Though, there are a bit formal ways to say things in the U.S. and we think that we should be respectful to elders, but even when I am speaking to my parent’s friends, I do not find that I speak so differently than I would to my friend. One thing I need to keep in mind is not to directly translate right away phrases or words that I learn to English because they might literally mean different things or there might not be an accurate translation of the meaning in English. For example when you want to express that you do not like something you can say “shiro”. It literally means I hate it, which is a bit extreme even if you do not really hate something. I do find it interesting that they use this phrase often for expressing when a person does not want to do something as well.
As far as improving my communicative competence, I think watching more TV shows is a good start as I am really starting to recognize a lot of key phrases and words that I have learned in different contexts. That will help me learn to know when to use certain words. I think starting to practice with my other peers who are at a beginner level or even better would help as well to reinforce the lessons that I have learned.
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