SDLC 110: Language Learning Journal #4

[Justina Morris]

This week and the previous week I have continued working on expanding my vocabulary of Korean terms, specifically focusing on food-related terms (meat, vegetables, grains, fruit, types of meals, etc.) I also have been retaining my knowledge on how to tell the date, time, and weather each day by writing it in Korean each day. With my newly learned vocabulary, I hope to be able to use these terms in sentences that can be used day to day, for a restaurant setting or grocery store/market setting. My language partner, Rachel, and I have continued to have our weekly meetings which have been very productive and very helpful to my language-learning journey. We still haven’t been able to go to the Korean Restaurant for our cultural experience but I hope we will be able to this final week of the semester. Something that we’ve both enjoyed doing is watching a Korean Drama to aid in the language learning experience as listening to the language really helps one to get used to the vernacular, pinpoint new words, and understand sentence structure. Some strategies that have been implemented into my language learning journey include resources provided by global studios (Korean to English dictionary textbook) Youtube, music, entertainment, vocabulary quizzes, and actively writing Korean. These strategies have been very effective in helping me retain what I have learned from my language partner and continue to practice and build with what I already know well. The use of Quizlet for vocabulary quizzes has really helped me with memorizing terms better. Before using Quizlet, I would struggle with keeping up with reviewing my new vocabulary but Quizlet made it easier with the flashcard function and the test function. I will build on what I have learned about the language by starting to focus more on sentence structure and how and if it changes when slowly making it more complex. I would also like to learn if Korean has measured words for people or objects and learn more about when to use the right honorifics for the right person. I think now, I feel even more enthusiastic about continuing to learn Korean because I didn’t realize how much progress I’ve made and much faster I have become physically writing Hangul. In the connection between the language and the Korean culture where it is spoken, I have learned from my language partner the importance of using formal speech to perpetuate politeness as it is important to the culture and the Korean people. Even the simplest of phrases have a specific way that they should be said to a stranger/acquaintance or someone that is older or in a position of power. So that is something I will definitely need to continue to take into consideration when I am writing and speaking Korean. I will definitely have to make revisions in your task lists and/or short-term and long-term goals by continuing to focus on expanding my vocabulary but also making sure to slowly integrate grammar so I am able to progress in the aspect of practicing to form my own sentences correctly and communicate effectively with those that speak Korean. I am very grateful for my language partner that has helped me so much.

[Parisa Mershon]

You have been really busy this semester! Quizlet is definitely a great learning tool (if you want another recommendation, Anki is also another flashcard app that emphasizes more long-term learning). Going to different restaurants is an excellent way to improve your target language, especially if you know the restaurant is a place where native speakers frequent. 

I have tried watching movies, TV, and/or YouTube videos, but I always find the vocabulary/grammar very difficult -- that is not meant to be discouraging though! I wish you good luck.

[So Myung Kim]

Wahoo! Congrats on all your accomplishments this semester~

I’m glad you’re using Quizlet because it’s a great method to consistently learn new vocabulary and something you can continue to do in the future.

To give some additional recommendations, Yewon is another restaurant sort of nearby campus. Another K-drama (my favorite) is Reply 1988! You should definitely check it out.

[Rosa Maria Lovo]

I really hope that you guys get to go to the Korean restaurant! There's a Korean BBQ in Midlothian called Korean Garden & Market that I LOVE. It's a splurge, but more than worth it for a special occasion. I also recommend the K-Drama 'Kingdom' on Netflix. It's an apocalypse drama set during the early Joseon period. One of my favorite show, but production has been halted by COVID so idk if we're getting a 3rd season. 

Anyway, I'm glad that you were able to end the year feeling so accomplished. Learning an alphabetic syllabary writing system is very difficult, but it is amazing to hear how much you have progressed in the last year. I hope you are proud of yourself because you deserve it. 

[Elspeth Collard]

I think it is awesome that you write out the date, time, and weather every day to help retain those basic skills. It is also awesome that Quizlet has become a helpful tool for you. I definitely think that I could use more of it just to familiarize myself with a ton of vocabulary all at once. The honorifics sound so specific and tricky and interesting!! I hope you get to go to a Korean restaurant!