There are many different ideas of how language is modeled such as some simple models which only recognize two basic levels: the set of physical forms and the abstract meanings from those forms in a language. However, the most commonly used model is a four level model which includes phonetics, phonology, grammar, and semantics with greater divisions within these levels as well. Likewise, Hangul is composed of sounds which are then built into words. From these words come sentences based on grammar which contains the study of word and sentence structure. Finally, semantics studies the individual meanings of words, idioms and the meaning of greater content.
There are two main methods in which most approach a new language. The first method involves learning and understanding what makes up what they are saying. You first learn how to phonetically expression, phonology, morphology, syntax and finally semantics or the meaning of everything you’ve learned. The second method is backwards in that it forms a foundation of an understanding of the meaning of the words and sentences first, semantics, and then learns phonetic expression and phonology. Although one method is not better than the other, being all around conscious of both phonetic expression, phonology and meaning while you learn would help you better understand and remember what you are learning. For example, if you first learned with phonetically being conscious of the potential meaning would help you to be more intentional in what to look out for when advancing more in the language.
In terms of my own learning, I’m more comfortable with the phonetic method as it how I learned Spanish and gives a general basis of understanding of what you are saying. However, with my goal of being able to speak rather than read or write I probably would want to take the semantics method as I do not need to necessarily know exactly what makes up the words and sentences that I’m saying.
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