Reflection Paper #1

[David Kim]

     My experiences as a language learner are still vividly clear in my head. My family moved from South Korea to America when I was in 6th grade. I did not know much English previous to coming to the States. Looking back, I honestly can't find parts about learning English that I found enjoyable; I was a bit bitter at the world at the time because I felt as though I was forced into a situation with a big language barrier without my consent. However, there were triumphant and pleasant moments when I successfully carried out a complex conversation for the first time or did a presentation in front of a large crowd, feeling as though I've made big leaps in my ability to speak English. I definitely disliked the feeling of powerlessness that arose from my inability to speak the language. Looking back, my learning type was mostly rational and evaluative. The activities that suit my style the most was definitely applying learning to my real life and actually holding conversations with people using the language and also watching tv shows in that language. I think I should expand my learning activities by incorporating other learning style activities and not just stick to the rational and evaluative ones. Because I am going to be completely new to urdu and won't have as much opportunity to use it as I did with English, I will need to work with a lot of big picture conceptual things that won't require as much interaction with an urdu speaker. 

[Bradley Fischer]

My relationship with language has been a mixed one. On the one hand, I do not learn as well when put in a traditional language learning environment. I took Spanish for seven years, and I was decent at it. But, most of my vocabulary has escaped me by now. On the other hand, however, when I am immersed in a given country surrounded by native speakers, I pick up the language quicker. The pleasure of acquiring a new language -- one that can be readily applied -- is vast. It is an awesome feeling when you can be a part of the society, not just a spectator of it. In Israel, my learning method was simple: to listen. I listened, and then I was not afraid to repeat what someone in front of me said in a line at a grocery store, for example. My mistakes became great lessons. I was not afraid to ask, "How do you say this in Hebrew?" I did not experience any "dislikes" when speaking Hebrew to a crowd, or at a dinner. 

According to a survey, I am a "V' learner. This category emphasizes underlining, using different colors, as well as using symbols and charts. I believe it to be correct as I am a visual learner. A language learning style that will suit me best is actual conversation. For me, this leaves an impact to my mind as I can hear, see, and feel the conversation -- and thus the components of it. So, methods like watching Israeli TV, or listening to an Israeli song, as well as skyping with a friend will benefit me greatly. I should expand my learning abilities by allocating a half hour a day towards language development, then an additional half hour practicing the acquired material with a friend.