Hello.
How are you? I am very good these days. As I mentioned earlier, I started a new language learning journey. I had never thought of learning Korean before, but since we are sister countries and I want to travel there one day, I thought it would be good for me to learn their language. Also, the first step in the stage of changing myself was to learn something new and improve myself. That's why I started this adventure.
Korean is considered close to the grammar of my native language. It's an agglutinative language just like us. That's why I think I'll be a little easier to learn. The only problem is, as you know, they don't use the latin alphabet. I think I'll learn over time, even though Hangl is a bit intimidated by this. First of all, I started looking for a book to learn the language. I searched for a while and came across books that were suitable for me. I placed the order and they arrived within a few days.
The books aiming to teach Korean in a practical way consist of 4 parts. They are as follows, in order:
Korean Alphabet.
Korean Grammar.
Korean Exercises.
Korean Words.
Korean Alphabet
The thing that caught my attention the most in the alphabet book was that it aimed to teach with visual memory techniques. I must say it really works. There are also spelling exercises in the book. Since there is no Latin alphabet, it is necessary to practice constantly.
As you can see above, each letter is likened to something. For example, ㅇ(ng) is likened to a gong. Thanks to the gong analogy, I will remember the ng sound. Or the letter ㄹ (R/L) is likened to the Rally road in the book. Thanks to this analogy, that letter settles in my memory. I had never tried to learn anything with this technique before. I must say it really works.
Korean Grammar Book
After learning the alphabet thoroughly, I can start to lay a solid foundation by switching to the Grammar book. The book is prepared with the most frequently used words. Each topic is divided into chapters, and each chapter constantly refreshes the memory by referring to previous topics. That's how I remember what I saw before.
There are no technical spelling sections such as the alphabet in this book. That's why I started taking notes on important places by buying a notebook for myself.
Korean Exercise Book
The third book contains exercises that we can study simultaneously with the grammar book. When I finish each unit, I open this book and try to solve the questions suitable for the unit I finished.
Korean Word Book
Finally, there is the book of words, but I haven't moved on to this book yet. Because I don't want to be so hard on myself all of a sudden. I'm trying to learn everything slowly. If I'm having a problem with something, I keep working until I understand it without skipping. That's why I'm going to start reading the vocabulary book after I've made some progress in grammar.
There are more than a thousand words and sentences in this book. It is also very good that there are areas where we can practice.
Finally, I prepared myself a study board. I saw this program in the book, and I carefully prepared it to be in front of my eyes and hung it where I can see it. I set myself the rule of working for 1 hour every day and learning at least 2 units every week. I will never be able to move on to the next lesson without learning it thoroughly. Planning makes me take work more seriously. When I'm done, I mark it on my board with pleasure.
Apart from books, I started watching Korean dramas and movies. Thus, I practice pronunciation and reading. The last time I watched VAGABOND and I definitely recommend you to watch the series.
That's all I'm going to talk about for now. In my next article, I will explain the progress I made and my experience. Now I need to study a little. 🤓
What do you guys think about the Korean language?
Is there a new language you want to learn?
안녕히 계세요 👋
