Monday, November 28, 2011

Do You Speak Korean?

The answer is still 아니오 (anio).


Despite my best efforts (ok, I am using that expression very loosely) to learn the language, I'm still incapable of saying more than a few words or minor phrases.


A list of what I do know:



  • How much is it?

  • Left, right, straight

  • I don't know.

  • Are you ok? / It's ok. / I'm ok.

  • Discount, please.

  • Numbers (on a good day)

  • some body parts / some clothes

  • Have you eaten (breakfast, lunch, dinner)? / What did you eat? 

  • I like it. / I don't like it.

  • It's delicious. 

  • Yes / No / Thank you.

  • family members

  • the alphabet

  • how to order food (kind of, definitely Konglish)

  • and a few more odds and ends


The reason that list is even half as long as it is, is because I started going to Korean language classes after Chuseok (9/15).  


I joined for two reason - mainly to learn the language (I am living here, I am planning to stay another year, and I'd sure look like a bit of a fool if I learned nothing) and to do something productive, not just be a waste outside of school.


So when I heard about lessons, and free lessons, I was all in!  


I go twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) and meet with my tutor, Lee Hyun Jeong - or if you prefer you can call her Cherry!


Our progress is slow.  All due to me.  She's a fantastic tutor, but my ears seem to be deaf and my brain is dumb to languages, especially ones so different to English.


Even though my abilities are an obstacle, I like going to K class.  I'll keep going - hoping to improve one day - because they're good fun.  Cherry, my language partner, Adam, and I are all friends; we sit there chatting in English (more than we attempt to learn/practice any Korean... oops!).  It's a great time!  


Maybe one day I'll just magically speak Korean with the ease and skill of a native... or maybe I'll just continue to smile and nod. ^^


 


Have a try at Korean! Go to Talk To Me In Korean.

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