I have been studying Korean on and off for about 10 months now. What I find most difficult is grammar; I am usually okay with memorizing vocabulary terms, however it is difficult knowing how to exactly construct a sentence, as well as making sure others understand your pronunciation. Throughout my learning experience, I realized that in order to learn the Korean language, it is important to be mindful of the culture, and it’s values and norms. It is impossible to learn the Korean language without having a thorough understanding of the culture, and the appropriateness of using certain forms of language.
The Korean Language uses a hierarchical system; even when someone is a year or a couple months older than you, it is important to speak formally. Often times, once you become close, it becomes more acceptable to drop the formalities, however, most of the time the rules of formality and informality are maintained. If one were to use the informal command of language in a formal situation or to someone much older (or someone in an authority position), it is assumed the person is rude and inconsiderate of Korean values. This is why it is important for foreigners learning Korean to recognize the values of the hierarchical system before learning the language. Usually, foreigners learn the formal command of language, because changing to informal is easy after having a grasp on verbs and conjugation.
I have a difficult time understanding Korean in a spoken context. I often find myself frustrated when I am watching a drama or listening to a conversation and not being able to understand what is being said. Since I am a perfectionist, I want to have everything right the first time, which is nearly impossible for a language learner. In order to learn a language, it is important to be flexible and open with your mistakes, so that you can improve and correct yourself, or easily accept corrections from others.
In order to improve my communicative competence, I will need to practice my speaking skills by formulating my own sentences. However, I am having a hard time finding this practice and gradually improving. Since I do not fit in either the beginning class nor the intermediate level with Minkyung, I have to self teach outside of class, which does not provide me the opportunity to speak with a language partner. Because of this, I feel as though I am moving backwards in the beginning course, since these are all things I taught myself during the summer. I feel as though I want to move quicker so that I can feel confident with my speaking, listening, and conversing skills, but I am unable to. The best I can do now is either find a time to meet with Minkyung separately (if she has time available), or continue to self teach and make practice dialogue examples, so that I am prepared for my speaking examination come December.
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