Self-learning Korean Language

Assalamualaikum w.b.t.,

Peace be upon you.

I took French as my third language during first year of study (now I'm in fourth) in UTM. Since I've learnt French back when I was in Form 1, it wasn't hard for me. However, compared to other classmates (except two who were already competent users) who were learning another foreign language from scratch, it could be laborious. I joke you not. 

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Nowadays, I'm keen to learn Korean language more than French. Part of it is because of the language itself, I find it cute and interesting. On the other side of the world is that my in-laws don't know English. Hewhew. It isn't because of Kpop. Or.. So I thought.. 

Kpop wave in Malaysia is real at the moment (nope. Not gonna say anything about B1A4 fan meeting in Malaysia). I have so many friends who know how to speak and write Hangeul. In fact, they learn it by themselves. Luckily for me, I have a lot of Korean friends who are willing to help me whenever I have questions. I started to learn words by words and phrases from Korean dramas at first. Then, when I was in my second year, I was lucky to meet Haejune oppa, one of my Korean friends who did and exchange programme in UTM. He taught me Korean characters in order for me to be able to read and write. 

Taken from Google

It's the foundation so I work my ass off to memorize all the characters. It took me 2 weeks to remember it all- characters, the writing system, and pronunciation of syllables. Even though I know all that, I still can't read fast yet (like when I was streaming Runningman, I will pause and read the editors' comments in Hangeul). Now, after I've been learning Korean for around 7 months, I can read faster. I guess last time it was me who always try to avoid reading it when learning the phrases or words from the book or website, and read the romanization instead. So, the most important tips to get yourself familiarize with Hanguel is to be immersed in it totally. I no longer read romanization of Hangeul anymore (still making odd pronunciations once in a while LOL).

After a while, Je Young oppa suggested that I need to expand my vocabulary size. He thinks that it's important before I proceed deeply into grammar and the conjugation system. So, I learn new vocabulary and revise the ones I've learnt, memorize it as many as I can. This is what we call learning a language. However, as I'm one of the language acquisition believer, I think the best way to acquire the language is by putting myself into the environment- it will make the process faster. So, I watch kdramas, follow some phrases from the dialogue and jot down helpful and interesting phrases. kkk

Besides that, I learn grammar from websites and the Berlitz I bought from Bookexcess for only RM19.90 last two years. I like the book but it concentrates on the higher, most polite version of Korean which sometimes can lead to awkward moments/unfriendly remarks if you were to use it with your Korean friends. kkk 
There are many websites where you can learn Korean language for (almost) free on your own. Here you go:

1. Talk to me in Korean - plenty of interesting lessons by level, videos, and vocabulary.

2. Korean Class 101 - a very helpful website as a whole. I learn from them through their website and also their apps on my iPad. Sweeettt.

3. Free Korean class - Yes. For free. If you think you need a real learning environment, please visit Korea Plaza, Menara Hap Seng, KL as they offer Korean language class for free every twice a year. You need to be committed to follow a certain period of time. Not only that, they have Korean cooking class for free too! Kimchi anyone? ^^ lol

4. Linguanaut - for the Korean phrases and expressions.

5. Mylanguages - lots and lots of vocabulary being classed in adjectives, verbs, articles, prepositions etc. 

6. Sydney to Seoul - you can learn A LOT from this self-study Korean language blog. Like seriously. There are worksheets, flashcards and even for those who plan to sit for TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean).

Hope this post helps. Till then, bye! :)