As Hallyu culture has become one of the trends today, people all around the world have become more interested in learning the Korean language. But do you really know about Korean characters called Hangeul? Today, I would like to introduce to you some information about Hangeul. Also, I would like to share with you my personal experience of learning the Korean language.
Introduction
The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul (Hangeul) in South Korea and Chosลnโgลญl in North Korea, is a writing system for the Korean language created by King Sejong The Great in 1443. Hangul is usually written horizontally, from left to right, and classically from right to left. It is also written vertically, from top to bottom and from right to left.
Free videos online!
You can actually search for Korean language online classes if you are interested to learn it. There are tons of videos and articles that regarding Hangeul and you can learn a lot through those free classes. One of the websites that I used to hear from my friends was Talktomeinkorean. You can search for it on Google or even search for those videos on Youtube. The teacher teaches in a really fun way and the classes are really straight to the point. Of course, they have language books too and you can buy them if you are interested.
Personal experience
So, I would like to share with you my personal experience on how to learn the Korean language and get a Level 6 for my Topik (Test of Proficiency in Korean) within one year of learning.
Speak more
I actually studied the Korean language for nine months before I came to South Korea. I had a Malaysian teacher and two Korean teachers who taught me in Malaysia. Three of the teachers had their own way of teaching and there are pros and cons about it. Malaysian teachers used to explain to us in the Malay language while Korean teachers taught us in fully Korean. This actually made me realize that speaking to a native is a really effective way of improving your language.
After a few months of talking and communicating with the teacher, I noticed that I had a huge improvement, especially in listening skills. So, if you wish to improve your Korean language faster, then you need to make more Korean friends and practice Korean with them every day. It might be very difficult to understand them the first time, but you will be fine with it soon.
Repeat the vocabulary
Besides having a Korean class, I also do revisions for Korean grammar and vocabulary every day. I used to jot down the new grammar that I learn every day and made some sample sentences beside it. And in order for me to memorize the vocabulary efficiently, I will write them down in my notes and repeat each of them several times. It works a lot for me as I am able to remember the vocabulary very fast and I hope it helps you too. Although the way of learning a language might be different for everyone I think this is quite an efficient way as repeating the same things can make your brain remember it for a longer period.
Language Institute
But, this good habit actually disappeared gradually when I start my studies at Language Education Institute at Seoul National University. I stop writing vocabulary every day as the timetable at Seoul National University was too busy for me to do that. We had our class every day from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon. Although I didnโt really do what I do in Malaysia, my Korean language improve a lot too as the lecturers in Language Education Institute are really professional.
We have a group discussion, role-play, debate, and lots more activities. The lecturers treat us like their own children. And life there is so nice and enjoyable. Besides normal classes, we also have a Korean culture class where we learn about Korean culture. For example, we had learned how to make Korean traditional handcrafts and it was really fun. So besides communicating more with a native, I think a proper education also helps a lot for one to improve his language skills. I didnโt do lots of effort but just followed what our lecturer had asked us to do during language Institute. And I manage to get a Level 6 in Topik exam when I just finished my level 3 studies at Seoul National University.
Live in a society where Korean is the major language
Living in South Korea had provided me a great chance to improve my Korean language. It is because people here barely speak other languages. It is hard to communicate if you speak other languages like English here. So, I need to speak Korean in order for me to survive here. Therefore if you wish to improve your Korean language in the fastest way, then this is your way to make it possible.
Conclusion
But of course, every person has their own way of learning a language. And that is just my personal point of view on how to learn the Korean language efficiently. Anyway, I hope this can help you and wish you good luck.
