Learning Journal #7

Within the last two weeks, we only had class last week because of Thanksgiving break. At that time, we mainly focused on practicing conversational Korean. We practiced going through three conversations in different situations with each person taking the role of each character. In the first situation, there were two people where they talk about their plan to meet up to watch a movie and have dinner together.

The conversation basically went like this in English.

Hello, how have you been?

Hello, I've been doing well. If you have time this weekend, would you like to go watch a movie together with me?

Sounds good! Which movie should we watch?

How about the movie 'Joker'?

That's fine with me! On which day shall we meet?

How about Wednesday night?

I have an exam on Thursday , so I have to study for my test on Wednesday night. I don't think Wednesday night is going to work.

Then, how about Friday night?

Friday night is okay! Then before we watch the movie, shall we eat dinner?

Yes, then what time should we meet at?

Shall we meet in front of the restaurant at around 6 o'clock?

Yes, I'll see you at 6.

In the second situation, two people are at a Korean restaurant, and they give their orders to the employee.

The conversation went like this.

Hello, what kind of beverage should I get for you?

One cup of water for me please.

One cup of water for me as well.

Okay, sure.

Here are two cups of water. Would you like to order your meal?

I would like one kimchi stew.

I would like one bulgogi fried rice.

Okay got it.

In the third situation we practiced, the same two people are now at the movie theater trying to buy movie tickets and snacks.

I will buy the movie tickets. Could you buy the snacks and drinks?

Yes, that's a good idea.

Hello, how may I help you?

Hello, I would like two tickets for the 7 o'clock showing of 'Joker.'

Sure. That will be 17 dollars.

Thank you.

Hello, how may I help you?

Hello, I would like one medium sized popcorn and two small drinks.

Sure, that will be 17 dollars.

Thank you.

These conversations are probably at the introductory level of Korean, and I speak in Korean with my family everyday, but I don't know why but I still feel a bit nervous when having to speak it in a more formal setting like in a class and with people I normally don't speak it with. I guess it takes time to become more used to it. Even with the basic conversations, I remember having to mentally prepare myself before saying it aloud. I feel like I unconsciously just dedicate speaking in Korean with only family members since I don't really have a need to use Korean otherwise, so it feels almost wrong to do so with people who aren't family. I'm not sure if that makes sense.

Also, as I've been watching videos by Korean YouTubers, recently there was this one slangy sentence ending pattern that was used frequently. Instead of ending a sentence with 요 (yo), they would end it with 연 (yeon). For example, I heard "좋아연" and "아니구연".

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