This past semester I have learned a lot about the Korean language and the culture. But more importantly, through this experience, I have learned valuable insights about myself as a language learner and a cultural explorer. I have learned that, when it comes to learning a language, I need to be able to speak it as much as I can. When I’ve studied other languages, we learned through textbooks, doing worksheets, and didn’t speak the language as much as I hoped to. I’ve learned that by speaking the language as much as possible, I am able to remember things a lot more and my responses become a lot more natural. I have also learned that I am very curious about other cultures and hope to explore many other cultures. I am interested in other cultures’ cuisine and traditions.
I thought one of the most difficult things about Korean was understanding when to use certain grammar in different context. Korean has honorifics, so depending on the situation you are in and who you are talking to, your grammar will change. I was very unfamiliar with this concept since English doesn’t have it. This was something that I had to get used to and am still working on. As I continue my studies, I hope that I will natural be able to recognize the context and use the proper grammar.
I have enjoyed seeing my progression each week. I started from nothing, and to see how far I have come, I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish and learn in such a short time. Knowing how much I have been able to learn this semester, makes me even more motivated to continue my studies and learn even more about the language and culture. I have also enjoyed learning about the culture. Korean culture is very unique and there is so much to learn. I found that learning about their cuisine and music was some of the most interesting things I’ve learned so far.
In order to continue my learning, I have registered for SDLC 111. I will try to expose myself to the Korean language and culture as much as I can during break. Professor Kim suggested that I watch Korean movies and TV shows, as well as listen to Korean music. I will also try to practice Korean with Korean friends, in hopes that I will remember what I’ve learned so far. Over break, I will try to learn some more vocabulary and prepare myself for another semester of learning Korean.
Some activities I thought were most useful were the cultural activities held at the Hagwon school. This past semester, I had the opportunity to attend two of the cultural events at the Hagwon school. I found going to these events were so beneficial because they taught me so much more about the culture. Sitting in a classroom, I can only learn about Korea’s culture through Professor Kim, videos, and other readings. Attending these events were an entirely different experience. Listening to what Korean culture is like is one thing, but to actually take part and have a hands-on experience with Korean culture is another thing. The first cultural event I went to was Korean Thanksgiving, or Chuseok. At that event, I was able to learn about the background of Chuseok and what Koreans typically do to celebrate it. We had the opportunity to watch younger kids in the Korean classes sing in Korean. They were all dressed in traditional Korean outfits which was really interesting to see. We also made traditional Korean desserts, typically eaten during Chuseok. I think that learning about the cuisine, and actually learning how to make it was a unique experience I probably would’ve never had, had I not gone to the event.
The other event that I went to was a cooking class. At the cooking class, we made of one of the most common and famous Korean foods, kimbap. I was able to learn how to make Korean food, as well as learn about their culture in a fun and interactive way. Beyond just learning about Korean culture, by going to these events, I was able to practice my Korean with native speakers. Many of them were older than me and so I would have to adapt my grammar to fit the situation. Although I was only able to say very basic sentences to them, but it was still a very enriching experience. It was a situation in which I would find myself in the real world, rather than the simulated situations we have in the classroom. I am very thankful for the opportunities to take part in these events and I think that they have taught me so much about Korean culture, beyond just what I learn in the classroom.
I would like to learn more about how to express my ideas. Before getting to that point, I think I still have a lot of vocabulary to learn, as well as solidifying my understanding of the basic grammar rules. Knowing as much vocabulary as I can will be essential as things get more advanced. I hope that I will be able to get to the point of being able to express my thoughts and opinions in Korean. After learning about the basic sentences and phrases, I think that expressing my thoughts and opinions is the next big milestone. This skill will greatly increase my ability to communicate in Korean and will allow me to carry conversations beyond just simple greetings. One of the best things about learning a language is being able to exchange thoughts to those you weren’t able to in the past. Learning to express my ideas will bring me one step closer to being able to do this. I look forward to continuing my Korean studies in the future and have been very happy with the progress that I have made so far.
Comments
Learning a new language can definitely help develop an interest in that language's culture and history. It is really interesting to know what background that language came from! Cooking can be a great way to start learning about a culture and that is great that you took that first step!
Gavin I'm so happy that you found interest in Korean culture. I always am happy whenever you would come by and practice your Korean with me, and I can say you definitely have improved a lot. The cooking class you took sounds super interesting, and I am now interested in going to something like that.
Gavin, the two activities you mentioned are so interesting! Those events are very good way to learn Korean cultures. I am also interested in doing those activities with Hagwon school next semester. As a fan of K-pop and Korean TV shows, I would really recommend you learning by watching those Korean TV shows and listening to Korean music. I feel that those videos and music can help you think and speak in Korean in a very natural way. By watching those TV shows, I have been exposed to lots of Korean spoken language, which makes me able to say some Korean sentences without thinking too much about which rules I'm going to use. They just come naturally.