Korean
I had learned to speak Korean since I was born because it was my parents 1st language. I remember my parents training/teaching me official Korean through a workbook when I was very young. I can't quit remember whether I spoke 'mom' and 'dad' in Korean or English first. I had lived in Korea for a few months to a year when I was very young, but I am now filled with regret that I did not take that opportunity to properly learn Korean in my home country. The thing about the modern Korean language, and Korea in general, is that they have westernized so much that you can get by in Korea without speaking Korean very well. The language itself, as I have recently learned in school, has man 'loan' words borrowed from English.
I had learned in LIGN 8 last year that Americans spend a ton in learning their home language in America. UCSD's requires to pass a certain level of a second language. With that in mind I had begun preparing specifically to pass the college requirement at KCCLA (Korean Culture Center) back home. While taking the class, I was surprised that there were so little Koreans in the classroom. Many students said they are learning Korean because they love the food, culture, and Kpop songs. I learned that these might be the gateway to draw people in the language. Having previous general knowledge of the language, I only knew primary speaking, I was genuinely shocked to learn the spelling, rules, and meaning behind what I was speaking.
While learning my language, I also gained a deeper appreciation and respect for the Korean culture. As in one of the previous readings, I too was filled with regret that I had not fully known this language earlier. The Korean language has strong connections with its polite speaking terms which may reflect the Korean culture in general.
During my middle school days in Koreatown, there was a strong divide among the Korean students between those who were born or had lived there for a while and new immigrants. It may be that the English speaking students didn't speak Korean, and made fun of them as 'FOBs', because we were all trying to fit into the 'American' culture, and be seen as a true American. It could also be because of the stigma against immigrants in America. Back in the 90's and 2000's Korea used to glorify America and English speakers as success.
I had learned in LIGN 8 last year that Americans spend a ton in learning their home language in America. UCSD's requires to pass a certain level of a second language. With that in mind I had begun preparing specifically to pass the college requirement at KCCLA (Korean Culture Center) back home. While taking the class, I was surprised that there were so little Koreans in the classroom. Many students said they are learning Korean because they love the food, culture, and Kpop songs. I learned that these might be the gateway to draw people in the language. Having previous general knowledge of the language, I only knew primary speaking, I was genuinely shocked to learn the spelling, rules, and meaning behind what I was speaking.
While learning my language, I also gained a deeper appreciation and respect for the Korean culture. As in one of the previous readings, I too was filled with regret that I had not fully known this language earlier. The Korean language has strong connections with its polite speaking terms which may reflect the Korean culture in general.
During my middle school days in Koreatown, there was a strong divide among the Korean students between those who were born or had lived there for a while and new immigrants. It may be that the English speaking students didn't speak Korean, and made fun of them as 'FOBs', because we were all trying to fit into the 'American' culture, and be seen as a true American. It could also be because of the stigma against immigrants in America. Back in the 90's and 2000's Korea used to glorify America and English speakers as success.
Comments
Post a Comment