If you like math or systems, and you’d like to learn a language
If you want a simple asian language, or a simple non-alphabetical language
If you want to visit Korea, or would like a closer communication with Korean communities in your country
If you want to learn more about Korean culture
I highly recommend learning the Korean language. It’s not difficult (which is different from easy. heh.), very insightful, and an excellent way to “stretch your brain” a bit.
If you’re serious about it, allow me to recommend UCBerkely’s “College Korean” (http://www.ucpress.edu/books/sale/pages/5476.html). It focuses on grammar while mixing useful vocabulary and hanja in a systematic format that is useful when studying alone or in a group. It’s also occasionally available from Barnes & Noble’s.
Good luck to all who are interested. I’m moving on to a new Thing: Master Korean. :)
Apr 25, 2006, 08:17AM PDT | 0 comments
Bottom line: it’s easier than spanish. My mother is Costarricensé so you’d think I’d suggest otherwise, but it really is scientifically arranged, just like cowbell said. Remembering that different doesn’t always equal difficult, take a step in the unknown and you’ll find it’s very rewarding.
Why your mind wants to disagree with me:
it’s hangul instead of the alphabet. True, but you can really learn hangul in a day, so that’s just a bias of familiarity.the sentence structure’s off. again, a familiarity issue, but once you master it there is virtually no deviation from the regular syntax. Korean stays consistent while English moves things all around.He will go to Korea.
그분은 한국에 가겠어요.
Off to Korea he goes.
그분은 한국에 가세요.
He went to Korea.
그분은 한국에 갔어요.
He’s going from Korea to Japan.
그분은 한국에사 일본에 가고있어요.
Go to Korea.
한국에 가십시오.
Even if you can’t read hangul you can see patterns in that. Just dive in and don’t give up. It can happen.
Nov 25, 2005, 12:24AM PST | 4 cheers | 3 comments
Sebastian cheered this 7 years ago
