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Mr. Pink
Joined: 21 Oct 2003
Location: China
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 Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:31 am Post subject: |
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I have been here 7yrs. I feel guilty. I learn a little each day and forget a little each day. Always have communicated with my wife in English.
At work, I won't speak korean infront of the students, and when I do with the Korean teachers, they immediately goto English or grab an English teacher to translate.
Where do I have the opportunity? I am horrible with second languages. Mastering English was hard enough, and I am still working at that 
Now funny thing is I remember computer stuff almost the first time around. While I have co workers that continually ask me how to do stuff on the computer.
I wish I was really gifted with languages...*sigh* bet I am not the only one making that wish. |
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Eazy_E
Joined: 30 Oct 2003
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:34 am Post subject: |
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[quote="Korea Newfie"]
| shakuhachi wrote: |
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| The most interesting people cant speak english and without Korean you will never be able to talk to them. |
Is that always true? When I met an old man few months ago in Andong, who told me how he was born in North Korea, fled here, saw his family killed, worked for American soldiers as an errand boy and learned English from them, I thought he was pretty interesting...
It comes down to whether you think it's worth spending time and energy learning a fairly insignificant language. (I wonder if that comment will get any argument...  ) Generally, the foreigners I know who speak the best Korean are those who have Korean girlfriends (or boyfriends), want them, or are planning on being here for quite a long time. I don't fit into any of those categories...
I'm content on knowing how to order food, get around, and have broken conversations. I save my time for (personally) useful endeavours.
Guilt is for people who lie to their moms, not for people who can't speak Korean. |
You're quite right. When I look at the facts objectively, I just dont think that it's worth the time and energy to try to learn a language that I will not need after my contract expires in August. I have survival Korean down pat, don't have a Korean girlfriend (could change, who knows), and I would rather spend my time learning French, which is a language that will be an asset to me when I get back to Canada.
I seem to waver between guilt and cold realism. Right now I'm wondering why I started this thread at all..... |
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mithridates
Joined: 03 Mar 2003
Location: President's office, Korean Space Agency
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:44 am Post subject: |
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| There might be something neorologically beneficial about having the grammar to a completely unfamiliar language all set up in your brain. I find French doesn't really 'stretch' the brain as much, if you know what I mean...I heard using one's brain in new and weird ways can help ward of alzheimers, so maybe that's a good reason? |
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Eazy_E
Joined: 30 Oct 2003
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:50 am Post subject: |
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| mithridates wrote: |
| There might be something neorologically beneficial about having the grammar to a completely unfamiliar language all set up in your brain. I find French doesn't really 'stretch' the brain as much, if you know what I mean...I heard using one's brain in new and weird ways can help ward of alzheimers, so maybe that's a good reason? |
The only language that wouldnt be a complete waste of time for an English speaker is another major European language like French, Spanish, Portugese, or German. The other languages are too diametrically opposed to English for you to become proficient at it, and in most cases people living in those countries are working their butts off trying to learn the master language anyways.
Now just sit back and wait for the venomous reaction.... |
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mithridates
Joined: 03 Mar 2003
Location: President's office, Korean Space Agency
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 3:00 am Post subject: |
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| You seem to be in a different state of mind than you were on Thursday. |
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Eazy_E
Joined: 30 Oct 2003
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 3:02 am Post subject: |
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| This thing really ebbs and flows. |
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Homer
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 5:17 am Post subject: |
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Basically if you intend or end up living here for a long time it would be a bit ridiculous not to make an effort to learn at least some Korean if not more.
Its basic logic you see.
Also, learning the language will make your life here much easier and fullfilling. It opens all sorts of doors and avenues to learn about Korea and perhaps even job opportunities.
Case study: Lawrence.
He claims to have been here for over 10 years and to not really have bothered learning Korean because its not a very widely spoken language. Like someone responded to that: it is useful to a person who lives here for a long time. What other language will you learn and use if you stay in Korea long term? Spanish? Italian? Arabic?
Its all relative to where you are.
A person staying for just a year or two should still learn enough to get by, thats just basic stuff. If they don't then its a choice and in my opinion a wasted opportunity. But thats a personal choice and they should not be looked down on for it. |
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Ilsanman
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Bucheon, Korea
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| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 5:45 am Post subject: yes |
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I think everyone should learn to read and recognize words like 'beer' and certain foods they like. Survival korean is essential.
I agree that many interesting people can't speak english. I have some good friends where I have to speak Korean to them, or we would have never met. Also, I have incentive to learn. She's 163 cm tall, has black hair, and she is beautiful.
I guess I have selfish motivation to learn. I want to be more employable in the future. Any 2nd language is better than no 2nd language. |
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