LEARN KOREAN THE NIGERIAN WAY: SERIES 1

In order to make this experience easier and more fun, it will be divided into series. Series 1 will be based on the alphabets and some important words that can be read and understood, once the alphabets are taken care of. We do not want to take a quick plunge into grammar. Grammar is a subject that should be handled with care and attention to detail.  Below is the curriculum for the first series.
Curriculum for this series

A.    ALPHABETS: This is the most important aspect of the language, just before grammar. Without its knowledge, any Korean lettering would just seem like rocket science formulae.

B.     NUMBERS: I am sure you are dying to know how to count in Korean language. This is one of the first things we learnt to do in English and our native languages.

C.     COLORS

D.    DAYS, MONTHS ,YEAR

E.     TELLING THE TIME

F.      QUESTION TAGS: we all want to know how to ask questions. His is especially important if you are trying to find your way around in a Korean territory.

G.    FOODS

H.    COUNTRIES: Koreans have a unique way of calling different countries, though some are pronounced almost the same as the English version.

I.       COMMON KOREAN WORDS: This is especially important when you are visiting the country.. you might want to learn emergency words like  restroom, hello, help, e.t.c

OUR FORMULA FOR THIS SERIES

·         Lesson

·         Videos/audio files (to aid pronunciations)

·         Vocabulary for the lesson (for your flash cards and phrase books)

·         Hangeul Versus Nigerian language guide.

·         Test

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10 THINGS YOU NEED TO “LEARN KOREAN THE NIGERIAN WAY”

  

 So you want to LEARN KOREAN THE NIGERIAN WAY? I have news for you: It is pretty easy, that is if you want it to be. If you are serious, you should be able to make few meaningful sentences very soon. When I first started to learn the Korean Language, I found it most difficult, more especially because I didn’t have laid down rules and the necessary materials. Being able to speak Korean is one thing, being able to read and write Korean is another. Korean Language is in itself also scientific. The most noticeable thing, to me, was the fact that any other word could be incorporated into their language with only minor changes to the sound. For example Juice is Korean is pronounced the same except for a strong influence in the e, something like 'Juice-e', but more on that later.

In order to successfully commence and succeed on this trip, there are ten things you need to have.

1.      A pen

2.      A notebook (strictly for Korean language). Don’t write what you learn in pieces of papers here and there.

3.      Internet: You cannot afford to learn this language offline, without making references to the resources the internet has for you.

4.      A recorder: This is a great tool in learning any language. You get to record the words you have learnt for the day and replay it when you are in a cab or in the middle of something. It makes learning easier and faster.

5.      Flash cards: These are very easy to make yourself. You don’t have to spend money buying from a stationery store. All you need is a cardboard paper or an old calendar with a plain side. Cut them up into small squares, the size of a standard business/complimentary card. Once it is done, you can write for instance; a word on one side and its Korean meaning on the other. When you are in the middle of a boring situation, in a bus or on a queue, you can just pick a card and rehearse what you have learnt.

6.      A phrase book: This is just a portable book where you can write down words you have learnt. I use an A7 jotter. It makes it easy for me to carry about and bring out of my bag at ease.  Along with the flash cards, it helps other persons help you by asking you questions to help see how much you can remember and further aid the learning process.

7.      A reference book: You need a reference book especially when you are learning Korean grammar. These are some of the ones I use:

i.                    Basic Korean & Intermediate Korean by Andrew Byon

ii.                  Dirty Korean by Haewon Geebi Baek

iii.                Beginning Korean by David  J. Silva

They are all free for download on the internet.

8.      Korean to English dictionary.

9.      Movies and music to motivate you: just imagine you have learnt a few Korean words and sentences and you overhear a Korean movie line that you understand even without seeing the subtitle, you would be thrilled to learn more and especially the rest that you could not understand.

10.  Maximum concentration.

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Why learn the Korean language

      Once it comes to foreign language studies, most students choose to learn Spanish, French, or German before they even consider learning an Asian language. When they do think about Asian languages, they usually choose Chinese or Japanese first, and then maybe Korean as a distant third. This is unfortunate, because there are many great reasons to learn the Korean language. Korean language is represented by a unique set of letterings known as Hangul, which is very scientific on its own. I have here five reasons which I find incontestable.

i.                    It makes the learning of other Asian languages easier: if you have seen Chinese letterings before, you will agree with me that Korean is just a piece of cake. Korea has been shaped by the influence of other Asian countries like Japan, China and India. While their culture may differ, they share similarities when it comes to languages. Learning one makes learning of another a lot easier.

ii.                  To understand the Korean Dramas and Music, which you love. This is personally why I first got intrigued by the language. Especially since some sub titles just seemed so wrong and I got lost while watching a movie.

iii.                A Jet-Speed Economy. Korea has the fastest growing economy in Northern Asia. Knowledge of their language will increase your potential business opportunities. Moreover, communicating in their language builds trust and confidence.

iv.                Boosting of your brain power.  Being bilingual, can stimulate intellectual growth and enhance mental development. I see Korean lettering as puzzles I have to solve and understand and the moment I do I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to explore for more. once you are able to learn Korean lettering(Hangeul), you will be able to pick up korean vocabulary and your knowledge and comprehension will grow.

v.                  Travel: If you’re planning to travel to Korea, then you definitely should put some effort into learning the language. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying for a week or several months, learning Korean can help you find your way around, and adapt to the culture and society. You will be able to communicate with tour guides, business owners, and locals, which will allow you to have a better overall travel experience. Plus, you will feel much more comfortable in a foreign place if you’re able to understand the native language.

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