As I am reflecting on the past semester, I now realize that the most difficult part about learning a new language is taking the first step. Since I will be around Korean speakers and text for the rest of my life, I will not forget how to read or write in Korean. Knowing the Korean alphabet is the most essential step because it will help me practice my Korean and learn more vocabulary words.
I will continue to study Korean. Next semester at Yonsei University, I plan on enrolling in a Korean course. I also plan on continuing my Korean studies through the SDLAP at UR once I return. In addition to Korean classes/tutoring, I will enhance my Korean language skills by conversing with my grandmother and other family members. In addition, I hope to expand my knowledge of Korean culture through the language. I want to learn more about Korean history and current events. I am also interested in Korean popular culture, and I want to listen to Korean music and watch Korean television shows and movies. There is a lot for me to learn about Korean culture.
It would be amazing if I could incorporate my personal history and cultural interests into my scholarly research. I appreciate how the SDLAP offers opportunities for me to do that through cultural posts and presentations. I enjoy these unrestricted assignments because I can choose to research whatever interests me.
I do not know what I want to do after graduation, but I hope that knowing Korean will be an asset for my professional career. I believe my vision for my future will become more refined after I study abroad next semester. I truly cannot imagine what Korea is like because I have never been to a place like it.
I wish I could tell my younger self that learning Korean is not that intimidating. I am glad that I first learned the language with the help of native speakers, but I believe that someone can learn the language on their own. All it takes is repetition and practice and anyone will eventually become more comfortable. It would have been easy for me to practice and maintain my Korean language abilities because my mother speaks Korean.
Learning a new language is often compared to opening a new door and seeing a world that you have never known before. I have already seen glimpses of this new world, and I already love it. I recently downloaded KakaoTalk, which is the most popular messaging app in Korea. My grandmother messages me on KakaoTalk and so far, I have been able to understand everything she has sent me. She sends very simple, easy to understand messages, and I recognize them because I grew up hearing them. Obviously, being able to communicate in a common language makes me feel so much more connected to her.
Overall, I am thankful for the opportunity to have studied Korean with two great teachers this semester. I look forward to discovering more about a world I was always connected to, but never got to know.
Comments
Hi Eden this is a great post! I completely agree that SDLC provides a really valuable and unique opportunity for students who are looking to start learning a new language. Korean is a great place to start because it is designed to be fairly easy to learn. That's great to hear that you can communicate with different people now as well.
Wow Eden great post! It has been great to read about your progress this semester and see how far you have come! I think that your semester at Yonsei University will be really beneficial to your Korean learning. I've heard that the best way to learn a language is to live somewhere that only speaks that language. I hope you have a great time in Korea! Keep up the good work and I hope you will continue to achieve your language goals!