Well, after 5 weeks of Korean 101 at the local community college I had to throw in the towel. Yep, despite spending way too much time on studying and homework it dawned on me that I only understood 산성님 (teacher) for maybe 5 minutes of a 120 minute class....and I didn't think I'd be improving. I had no ability to recognize what he was saying in class, I recited sentences at glacial speed, and I had to sound out each and every letter for each and every word that I encountered. Naturally that doesn't lead to linguistic proficiency. I would like to be able to blame it on some external force (lead in the water during my childhood?) but alas, I think it was my brain's inability to memorize.
I have notified my immediate family so they won't be shocked when they discover this major flaw on my part. Favorite Daughter (and Eldest Son) were quite supportive. Favorite Daughter hopes I will be able to produce more quilts since I no longer have to spend 20-30 hours weekly in the hopeless pursuit of acquiring a second language. And my gym (SPENGA) felt since I had learned a couple of curse words I was fluent enough to face the world.
I do think my accent was good. See? All that time spent watching Kdramas was not a total waste.
Pat here. You’re a winner in my book, and mine is written in English. Kidding aside, I have an acquaintance who also tried and gave up after several lessons. She did it in preparation for a trip to Korea, and guess what? She had a wonderful time anyway!
Hi Judy,
At least you tried to learn and understand Korean which I would think is VERY challenging. Jim and I are at Chris and Julia’s enjoying our lives to the fullest. We may be home in a week or so as we still want to travel some
Best Wishes, Heather
Alice!!! You know I don't even cook American food; why would I venture so far from my comfort zone? But I'm impressed that we both know what Banchan means! (Hoping for a cooking class on the Korean trip but I'm setting the bar pretty low.)
Sorry that your dream did not come true. Your trip will be great regardless. That is what Google Translate is for. I you need a new challenge, how about learning to cook Korean food? I would be happy to volunteer to be a guinea pig and try your Banchan.
As you know I think you were completely out of your mind even signing up much less attending such a class! But you are tougher than me!
Recognizing you’re not good at something is not a failure, but rather a strength. We can’t all be great at everything & you have so many other things you excel at so move on. We’ll have a great time in Sourh Korea like we’ve had in other countries where we disn’t speak the language.