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Writer's pictureJudy T

<Sigh>

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!


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Guest
Oct 11, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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

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Judy T
Judy T
Oct 06, 2023

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.)

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Alice Catallini
Alice Catallini
Oct 06, 2023

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.

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Guest
Oct 06, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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!

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linda
Oct 06, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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.

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