Hanguel Language

Ode to the complexities of the Korean language!

There actually aren't many characters to memorize in the Korean language in comparison to the Chinese and Japanese characters, but the pronunciation can be quite difficult. The differences between English and Korean are like comparing the apples and, instead of oranges, persimmon fruit; the languages are very distinct. The difference between American food and Korean food is the same way. In my opinion, learning Spanish, which still takes a lot of work, is like a walk in the park for English speakers because of the similarities in comparison to learning a language with characters.

I started learning the Korean language with my friend, Kim Miyoung at Carroll College. She was a exchange student there living in Helena with her two boys. Miyoung cared for her children, worked, and took a full time load of classes. Wow, she was a busy woman! Regardless, this kindhearted woman still made time to meet me once a week to teach me how to read Korean. Her tutoring in reading and learning several expressions has helped me leaps and bounds here. (Now, she is back in Jeju Island and I hope to visit her this summer.)

Once I arrived in Korea, my neighbor, Mr. Hwang agreed to meet with me once a week for Korean lessons. In my opinion, it is nearly impossible to learn the Korean language without hearing the pronunciation from someone. Nothing has a "b" or a "g"sound, but sounds between our English letters, such as, "b/ p", "g/k", or "Ch/J". The vowels can also be difficult with the double lines (I have the hardest time with the vowels). Anyways... it is very rewarding to pick up the language and get comfortable reading the characters. Korean is quite beautiful sounding!

Goodness, I have had to be so much more patient with my progress in learning the language, but a few of the main positives include: gaining a better understanding of the culture through words and expressions, becoming a better teacher by seeing the differences between the languages, sympathizing more with my students and their frustrations with learning the English language, and the opportunities for building more intimate relationships with Korean people around me. It is nice to get feedback that my pronunciation sounds good, because I have worked really hard! There isn't a more gratifying feeling than making conversation in Korean with people here.

One of the biggest accomplishments I have had here has been learning all of my student's names. Memorizing a large number of names is difficult anyways, but when the pronunciation is also a challenge... that is when you feel like you have accomplished something! It is also really affective with teaching as well, when I can call on students using their names. It's only taken me a few months! :-) Some hogwans (English Academies) suggest foreign teachers give their students English names. Right away, I prefered their Korean names, because I think they sound so cool! Here are a few of my favorites:

변 영 선

김 현 진,

차 승 빈,

박 준 형,

홍 수 현