Have you ever asked yourself this question?
Why do some people take a shorter period to be fluent in one language while some people need lots of time and effort to master the same language even though they have the same starting point?
While it appears that some individuals are talented at learning a new language, language learning is essentially a skill that you can be good at with the right system and mindset.
So, there's no need to be taken aback and end up feeling discouraged if you are not showing the expected progress that you initially have when you are learning a new language.
All you need is a set of clear, directed language learning methods that match your studying style, your personal interests as well as preferences,
In this article, we will be exploring the different types of techniques and platforms that you can utilize when you are learning Korean.
Why Should You Learn Korean As A Foreign Language?
Before we go into the methods of mastering Korean, let's talk about the motivation and benefits of learning Korean as a foreign language.
It's very important to list these reasons down from the very beginning so that you will persevere and focus on this language learning journey when the going gets tough.
Reason 1: Develop a better understanding of the culture behind the language
Firstly, whether you are an old-time K-drama fan or K-pop stan, you can't deny that there are some Korean cultural elements that you just don't get in the first round. For instance, you might not comprehend why kimchi making is such a big deal in many families (as depicted in Korean dramas) or why certain terms are used in some K-pop lyrics.
Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash
As you learn Korean, you are not only just learning about the formation of words through the Hangeul system, but you will also gradually understand the cultural contexts and hidden cues behind the words and dialogues that you are used to learning or watching from a screen.
Reason 2: Gain a new language skillset and self-confidence
Secondly, the journey of learning a new language gives you a sense of achievement and pride. Mastering a totally new language is not an easy feat as it requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication.
When you achieve fluency in Korean, it automatically grants you a new perspective in life and new confidence because you are able to look back and see far you have come. When faced with future challenges or a new unknown, you are most likely to overcome them because you have already possessed the character and self-esteem that were accumulated during the process of learning Korean.
Reason 3: Improve your job prospects/ leads to new career opportunities
Thirdly, your fluency in Korean will be your superpower and gives you an edge over the rest during your job application.
Multilingual candidates are often sought after by many big, global corporations due to the increasing advancement of globalization, especially at times like this.
Furthermore, your proficiency in Korean could also open doors for you to start a new side hustle in translation or interpretation projects.
Just take a moment to imagine that you might be able to stand so close to your favourite oppas or unnies during their fan meeting here!
Learn more about these advantages of mastering the Korean language.
What Are Some Popular Korean Dramas You Can Watch To Improve Your Korean?
One way to stay motivated to learn Korean is to know what you are passionate about and identify which studying method suits you the most.
Watching Korean dramas work well for those who are audiovisual learners, who learn best through continuous listening and watching.
Here are a few Korean drama recommendations that you can watch based on your favourite genres.
If you are into historical drama: Watch Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
A time-travelling romantic historical drama with a stellar cast, you will certainly enjoy every episode of this drama and enhance your understanding of the Goryeo dynasty.
Source: Cosmo.ph
Main leads: IU, Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul, Baekhyun (EXO), Nam Joo Hyuk
If you are into high school drama: Watch Boys Over Flowers
Boys Over Flowers was released at the peak of the Hallyu wave in 2008. It is one of the most talked about Korean dramas of all time and features great cinematography and an amazing list of original soundtracks!
Main leads: Lee Min Ho, Gu Hye Sun, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon
If you are into thrillers: Watch Signal
This should be your go-to drama if you love a good mystery story with a fantasy twist. This drama depicts a cat chase mouse story where two detectives (from two different time dimensions) "work together" through a mysterious walkie-talkie.
Main leads: Kim Hye Soo, Lee Je Hoon, Cho Jin Woong
Don't forget to read these tips if you are learning Korean as a total newbie.
How To Choose To The Right Korean Learning Books For Writing And Reading?
Next, we move on to the next group of learners: the linguistic learner. A linguistic learner is someone who learns best when they incorporate reading, writing, listening and speaking when they are studying.
If this is you, continue reading the tips below to find the right Korean learning books to improve your overall Korean writing and reading skills.
Tip 1: Find books that match your current learning level
It's important to be objective about your Korean learning level. If you have passed the beginner's stage, you can start looking for books that teach you about more complex sentence patterns, grammar and even Korean idiomatic expressions.
Tip 2: Find books that incorporate reading notes and simple writing skills
As you are browsing the books before the checkout, it is important to check if you have an equal distribution of theoretical notes and practical exercises for the components that you wish to improve on.
For example, when you're buying a book on Korean essay writing, make sure that the book includes sample essays, sample essay topics as well as sample essay answers for you to compare your answers.
Tip 3: Find books that offer accurate and direct translation of your preferred language
This is a very important tip! Granted that Korean is not your first language, you should always opt to buy bilingual Korean learning materials. It could be in English, Malay or Mandarin as long as you can fully comprehend the texts that you are reading.
Take your passion for language learning to the next level by exploring the relationship between South Korean culture and the Korean language.
Can Listening To K-pop Help You To Learn Korean More Effectively?
We talked earlier about the emergence of the Hallyu wave in terms of Korean dramas and K-pop.
If you are honest, you would have a specially curated K-pop playlist that you listen to even as you are reading this now.
Listening to K-pop can be a great way to learn Korean in the most relaxed manner because of these two reasons.
Reason 1: The addictive melodies help you to remember the lyrics and pick up new words
Whether it is catchy, swoony or sentimental, music can easily capture our attention.
When you are learning a new song, for instance, you will pay attention to the break of words, the pronunciation and most importantly the translated meaning of the whole song as you are reviewing the lyrics.
Source: Xframe
Reason 2: Listening to your favourite singers is your greatest motivation
Passion fuels motivation.
Listening to your favourite artiste in an hour loop is a walk in the park as compared to dedicating one whole hour to go through one Korean revision book on your own.
You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of Korean when you are aware of the history behind the language.
What Are The Benefits Of Learning Korean Online At Superprof?
If you love the flexibility of online learning and prefer someone experienced to teach you Korean directly, it's best to start looking for a Korean tutor via Superprof!
Superprof is an educational platform that connects you with a tutor in just a few clicks. Learning has never been this easy. All you need to do is start searching for a Korean tutor that matches your criteria, contact the tutor once you have reviewed their profile and start organizing your lessons with him or her.
At Superprof, you can enjoy these three main benefits when you hire an online Korean tutor.
Benefit 1: Diverse learning content and teaching methodology to choose from
Our Korean tutors cater to different groups of students. There are tutors who use Korean variety shows and Korean dramas to teach their students while some will prepare slides of even textbooks. You can find the method that suits you.
Benefit 2: Flexible learning period and location
Having an online tutor means you can discuss about your learning duration and scope of study without worrying about moving here and there. You just need a stable Internet connection and a good mobile device to start learning!
Benefit 3: Affordable in the long run
Having online lessons means you can save a lot on transportation fees and administration fees because you can study from home. Most online lessons at Superprof are approximately 20% cheaper than the usual physical lessons, so it's a great investment in the long run!
Quickly head to the Superprof Malaysia webpage to find your perfect Korean tutor now!
We hope that the Korean learning resources mentioned above will enable you to master Korean in a comprehensive and smooth manner! All the best!
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