What It Takes To Learn a New Language, Like Korean?

Dear All,

 In this post I would be sharing my experience of what it takes for learning Korean. The purpose is to share the traits needed for learning a language. Though all languages have their own challenges to learn, my dates with Korean were very complex. These characteristics will help you reach your goals faster and with accuracy.

 Why are these important? 
If you have all the resources of good language institute, books, plenty of time but do not start with right foundation, you will always struggle to be understood by Korean people because of the pronunciation.
I have followed them and being able to manage my job, social life independently . Also I was lucky enough to secure TOPIK Level 5 out of 6 (highest) within less than 2.5 years bearing all the other obligations. I appeared again targetting level 6 but failed miserably though there was increase in marks .My gratitude to the teachers, family and friends. Although preparing for TOPIK is altogether a different ball game than dealing in day-to-day life. TOPIK part I will be discussing later.

1. NO Transliteration!

 First thing any language learners do is that they learn by  transliterating  the Korean words to the English or other native languages. Finding the pronunciations close to the languages known. This should be avoided because the pronunciation of Korean Alphabets are slightly different than English. Moreover there are few vowels which do not exist in English and हिंदी . The tongue and mouth movements are totally new. For example in  음식 ( eum-shik;meaning- food), eum cannot be pronounced correctly. 

 How to do it? Learn the accurate pronunciation a Korean teacher (highly recommended) or friend is a must. Because they can guide the initial tongue movements.Go slowly in the beginning and catch up once good at pronunciation. Some Institutes focuses for over 6 months just to master the foundation.

2. Mistakes are Welcome

It`s Okay to be Wrong-Famous book
in Korean elementary school.

 It is obvious that people will make mistake while learning or doing something new. So this fear of being wrong or losing face should not hinder to practice your skills. Even in the beginning you will be knowing only 안녕하세요 (Korean Hello) still you need to practice these initial sentences in order to get the rhythm, accuracy and accent. This will give you confidence to move with more long sentences.
 Do not be afraid to be wrong. Korean people are very kind and if you are open minded to improve your skills then they will correct you each time you speak. If you feel offended by their correction then they will never let you know from next time. It should be taken as opportunity as the person will correct your pronunciation. And you would come out better with each mistake. So early mistakes will give a sound foundation for a native like pronunciation.

3.Have Patience

 Korean language will test the patience because of its complexity. It has minor changes in the grammar (mainly) and vocabulary (some) based on the age of the person, position and speaking environment; for example if it is a presentation or just a 1:1 talk. So while learning you might hurt some elder person with wrong salutation. Also while writing the form changes based on above variables. Many words are written differently and pronounced differently and vice versa. All this will add to frustration but you need to bear with it.

4.Immerse-in-Korean

 To learn quickly we need to utilise whatever opportunity we have come across to Korean . So we need to keep our all the senses receptive to the environment. One good thing for learning Korean quickly is the omnipresence of Korean Language in Korea.  In the beginning the letters will not be familiar with us so practicing them whenever possible would be good idea. This could be reading some banners on the road side, or shop names while being safe. Paying attention to the announcements made in the subways or buses is a good idea. Watching TV dramas. They are slow at pace to understand and full of expressions. Listening to the radio. Reading fiery tales of Korea. By doing this one can improve reading, listening skills quickly.

5.Grit 

 The Land of Morning Calm is occupied by the bold presence of bulky mountains Halla San in Jeju-do being the highest of them. To reach to the peak of language and culture of Halla, one needs the resolve as high as Himalaya.

Thoughts of quitting may be very frequent to the mind. But the things will improve over a period of time if you have strong will and motive to carry on. 

If you are set to learn the Korean then please find Resources For Learning Korean in my blogs. This will help you to choose one that fits your budget of time and wallet.
See you there.
Regards...
Naveen
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