(105 & 110) How did you evolve as an autonomous/self-directed language learner? Did you develop your skills as an observer of other cultures? How did the cultural project help you relate the products, practices, and perspectives of a culture? Were you able to move from basic linguistic principles (language families, language structures, etc.) to the specifics of the language you are studying? (110) What was your progress in meeting the goals of your learning plan?
I feel that this semester really challenged me on autonomous/self-directed language learning. In the past, I have tried to teach myself Korean, but through this program, I have learned to be more disciplined with myself. It was easy in the past to just leave it on the side but this semester (I think also due to having a language partner) I was more intentional on being consistent with learning Korean by myself. I am also studying abroad in Korea in the spring, so I think my fear of not being able to communicate has been a real fear that has worked to benefit myself so that I have been on top of all my language goals and practicing everything I am learning.
From my time in SDLC 105 I would say that I did develop some skills as an observer of other cultures. I never thought about language in some ways my other peers had to learn their language so that made me aware of my own native language, English, and Korean even more. I found it really striking to see similarities and differences in all the languages I know compared to the way others were learning their own language. Also, just as an outsider learning the Korean culture was eye-opening. I’ve been immersed in Korean Dramas and Korean music since the 5th grade (from my older sister) and it was still just as eye-opening to be reminded and introduced to aspects of the Korean culture that’s immensely different from the US and Hmong culture.
The cultural project was actually more informational than I thought it would be for myself. Since I have been exposed to all things Korean entertainment for so long, I thought I wouldn’t mostly learn anything new. But I never too notice or questioned all the editing into the making of a variety show. I’m still so astonished and impressed of the different ways they edit variety shows. And most of all, the reflection of the Korean language is so strong in the variety programs in Korea. Most of the things I noticed, trends and stuff, I knew from years of watching variety shows but also just being to see that it has a history of the same trends is amazing. Meaning that those aspects are very valued in the Korean society. Whew, mind-blown with this cultural project.
I feel that I was somewhat successful at moving from the basic linguistic principles to the specifics of the Korean language. I didn’t spend too much time exploring the specific grammar of Korean and what makes it so special. I felt that I definitely learned simple equations that worked for most grammatical structures but it wasn’t an in-depth and rich learning of the Korean language. Just enough learning of Korean to survive speaking in Korean.
The progress in meeting the goals of my learning plan were so on point each week. Suyeon Unnie was also just such a great support, I can’t thank her enough. We finished everything I wanted to learn while also being able to do review twice (once in the middle of the semester and our last week together). I personally need review to make sure that what I’m reiterating to myself is correct and that I am keeping myself on top of all the work I need to do. So it worked out great, our week to week language goals. I also think that if Suyeon Unnie wasn’t my language partner, that I wouldn’t have been so productive. She also provided handouts and videos each week so without her support I’m not sure it would have been so productive if I had to bring everything I wanted to do to her. So I owe many thanks to her!
I am really grateful to this self-directed language program on campus to have the opportunity to learn Korean before going abroad. When I return in Spring 2017, I most definitely want to take another Korean self-directed class. I am excited to see the progress of my Korean when I return back to the States from studying abroad. It will be so interesting to bring back a different perspective of the Korean culture once I am able to live in it. Thank you for a great semester!
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