One thing I can say I am proud of is my pronunciation. Because I have been watching Korean films for years now, I think I have unconsciously picked up on the style and tones. Even when I did not understand what was being said, I always recognized certain expressions and the general ways in which words were spoken. Now that I am actually learning the language, what used to be simply sounds to me are fleshed out and given life. I have enjoyed finally understanding exactly what I heard was being said instead of just a series of sounds that I could mimic.
When it comes to the relationship between the target language and target culture, I would say it reminds me exactly of Japan and the Japanese; although, most Korean and Japanese people I know would say otherwise, as each culture has certain nuances that I just do not differentiate between or are not profound enough for me to notice as an outsider to both cultures. The overall resounding idea is that both the language and culture are so intimately intertwined that it is virtually impossible to understand one without the other. The speech reveals just as much about the Korean culture as basic Korean culture does. The hierarchical language is the best example of this. By using this form one is expressing notions of respect that stem all the way from Confucius.
In order to improve my communicative competence I will first have to extensively broaden my vocabulary. I know basic questions and statements now but self-expression is my goal. If I cannot express myself in the Korean language it, in my opinion, lessens my own experience of the language. Others may be able to understand what I am saying but if they cannot understand me, cultural exchange will only be exchanged in one direction and not the other. This is especially important to me as an African-American. Black culture is so grossly misrepresented in both Japan and Korea. If I can’t articulate how this is problematic in a way they can understand I am not helping the situation. I digress. As I said before I need to first and foremost expand my vocabulary, not just in the most general sense, but in an intentional and deliberate way, meaning I need to learn certain words not all words. The basics are important but I find that often in these textbooks they organize the chapters based on social situations one may find themselves in. While workplace appropriate language is important, I do not believe I need to know how to handle going to a veterinarian with a sick animal (I have actually never seen anything like this but it’s usually something to that affect). This is the direction textbooks typically take after running out of beginner lessons.
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