If you are one of those who are swept up in the Korean-wave, you may feel that Korean is a language you want to pick up. Whether you want to do so to enjoy your Korean dramas on a whole new different level, or to be able to travel in Korea unassisted, a good grasp of Korean will be beneficial.
However, learning a new language takes time. For some, it can become a frustrating process when you don’t see progress even after a while. Hence, a good sense of motivation and dedication to learning the language is vital to your success.
If you want to learn the Korean language, these tips may come in handy:
Master hanguel
Hanguel is the Korean alphabet, made up of 19 consonants and 10 vowels. In all seriousness, Hanguel is not hard to master. It is quite intuitive. In fact, it was created to be easy to learn. Every alphabet symbol corresponds to a phonetic sound, and this is quite consistent throughout the language. Once you get the hang of Hanguel, you will be able to decipher Korean text with no problem.
Build up vocabulary
Of course, knowing how to read Korean is no use if you don’t understand what you are reading. Hence, the next step is to build up your vocabulary. The easiest way is to start with everyday words such as numbers, greetings, and so on. If you are learning Korean for a particular purpose, you should work towards learning relevant vocabulary. For example, if you want to learn Korean for travel purposes, you should master words related to transport and directions early on.
Surround yourself with natives
An excellent way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it. For example, if your circumstances allow, you can spend a month or more in Korea where you can practise communicating in Korean. However, if that is not possible, a more viable alternative is to look for native speakers near you. You might find Koreans at your school or workplace, or perhaps through friends of friends. Speaking the language will help you practise common words and phrases you will use in conversation, and helps you pick up the right pronunciation from the natives as well.
Understand your learning style
Everyone has a learning style through which they learn best. If you know your learning style, use it to your advantage to learn quicker! Some of these styles may be learning through visuals, learning by hearing, and learning using actions. For example, if you are a visual learner, flashcards may help you learn more effectively. Whereas if you are an auditory learner, you could consider listening to podcasts to aid your learning.
Get a Korean teacher
Nothing beats having personalised guidance from a teacher. Although resources for learning Korean abounds online and in books, having a teacher is still recommended because you can get instant feedback on your progress. Attending a language class, such as one in Sejong Korean Language School, is also advantageous due to the structured curriculum that is designed to help students pick up the language quickly. In addition, it provides opportunities for learners to interact with fellow learners.
Now that you know these tips, why not try them out to facilitate your learning? A language is not learnt overnight, but with these tips, you can speed up the process immensely!