In the last learning journal, I wrote about how I learned how the endings change whether or not the sentence is formal. I realized that by being able to learn more about endings, it would make learning Korean much easier and even allow me to use simple phrases and be able to manipulate them in various ways in order to fit into the conversation. Therefore recently, I have been diving into the Korean grammar, trying to figure out how sentences are put together depending on the context of the conversation. At first, I thought it might be too tricky, but thankfully now I am seeing how it really helps me understand the language better. My tutor suggested I give it a shot, especially since I've been picking up lots of words related to everyday stuff like eating out and shopping.
A typical sentence structure that I have been learning would be the following:
Subject Time (adverb/adjective) Verb
나 오늘 늦게 일어났어
I today late wake up
(I woke up late today)
I know we had learned in class how the Korean sentence structures are different compared to the English one, but being able to actually see how I would directly translate these, is very surprising. So, being able to write it out in this way, I can learn better how to do these phrases in korean.
If there is no need to add a subject, then time always starts the sentence, which can be seen in the following.
오늘 비 오나?
Today rain will
(Is it going to rain today?)
Additionally, I've learned to manipulate sentences to convey different tenses. One sentence structure is making the phrase past tense.
맛있었어?
(Was it good?)
Adding the ㅆ 어 turns the sentence into past tense.
Another sentence structure is making the phrase future tense. Instead of adding the ㅆ 어, you would write ㄹ 거야.
My feelings about learning Korean have been all over the place - sometimes I'm proud of my progress, other times I get frustrated when things don't click right away. So far, it has been a bit tough trying to recall all that I have learned so far since I did not necessarily state that I wanted to learn grammar. So by learning that there are certain patterns, it has become a bit better in trying to come up with simple phrases. Therefore, my exploration of Korean grammar has provided valuable insights into the cultural nuances embedded within the language. Understanding how sentences are structured can offer a glimpse into the Korean way of thinking and expressing ideas, which helps me to have a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. For the future, I want to keep practicing grammar while also trying out new ways to learn, like watching Korean shows or chatting with native speakers.Also, I am very eager to explore new learning strategies, incorporating more interactive and immersive experiences to enhance my listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and how much more I'll learn along the way.
Comments
It's truly inspiring to see your proactive approach to delving into Korean grammar and sentence structure in your language-learning journey. The examples you provided, such as manipulating sentences to convey different tenses, showcase your growing proficiency and adaptability in Korean grammar. It's natural to have mixed feelings about language learning, but your willingness to embrace challenges and celebrate progress is admirable.