Korean 1 | Reflection

 

Reflection

This semester's journey into learning the Korean language has been a dynamic and rewarding experience, marked by both challenges and achievements. As I reflect on the past few months, I am not that amazed at the progress I made and the depth of understanding gained not only about the language itself but also the cultural nuances embedded within it.

At the onset of the semester, the Korean script, Hangul, presented itself as a beautiful yet intricate puzzling. The systematic nature of its creation became apparent as I delved into its study. Overcoming the initial hurdles of reading and writing in Hangul not only provided a sense of accomplishment but also revealed how hard it could be for me as a beginner but achievement as it may. It's fascinating to consider how the characters themselves tell a story. Though I wish I could be better at it.

Navigating the grammar and sentence structures unique to Korean presented a significant challenge. The shift in word order, the intricacies of honorifics, and the various speech levels demanded a reorientation of my linguistic mindset. This semester has been a journey of unraveling these complexities, allowing me to express thoughts and ideas in a manner more aligned with the Korean language's inherent structures.

The incorporation of authentic materials, such as K-dramas, variety shows, and social medias, into the learning process has been a transformative element. Exposure to real-world language usage, regional accents, and colloquial expressions has not only honed my listening skills but also offered a glimpse into the cultural contexts that shape communication.

Reading Korean and engaging with written materials in the original form has been a challenging one for me. The subtle nuances and wordplay and it's akin to unlocking a door to a literary world that goes beyond translations, revealing the beauty of the language in its most authentic form.

Collaborative learning, through group activities and language exchange partnerships, has been a cornerstone of this semester's experience. The shared journey with classmates, the exchange of insights, and the collective effort to overcome challenges have not only enhanced my language skills but also fostered a sense of community within the learning process. Language, it seems, is not just a solitary pursuit but a communal endeavor that thrives on shared experiences. I am honestly glad that I chose Korean, even though I barely made it past it, I wish to learn more of the language because I know the further I go, the better I will get. 

As the semester draws to a close, I find myself equipped not only with linguistic proficiency but also with a profound appreciation for the cultural depth embedded in the Korean language. The journey has been transformative, opening doors to a new world of expression and understanding. Moving forward, I am eager to continue this exploration, recognizing that learning a language is not just a semester-long endeavor but a lifelong commitment to embracing the richness of communication and connection.

Thank you Ms. Anna :) 

안녕히 가세요.