Learning any new language can seem difficult at first. If you’re feeling apprehensive about learning Korean, these tips from Korean tutor Bryce J. can help…
If you’re thinking about learning Korean, you might be feeling a little intimidated. After all, Korean has a reputation for being a difficult language to learn. But the truth is that Korean is no more difficult than any other language.
In fact, there are several reasons why learning Korean might even be easier than you think. Here are seven of them.
How Hard is it to Learn Korean?
So is Korean hard to learn? When it comes to learning Korean, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- First, Korean is a phonetic language, so it is important to learn the correct pronunciation of each word.
- Second, Korea has its own unique alphabet, called Hangul. Hangul can seem daunting at first when you try to learn Korean language, but once you get the hang of it, it is actually quite simple.
- Finally, there is no such thing as “perfect” grammar in Korean; even native speakers make mistakes sometimes.
So don’t be discouraged if you make mistakes when speaking or writing Korean. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the basics of this fascinating language.
If you think you might be ready to take on the new challenge of Korean learning, there’s no better time than the present to get started! Check out the tips in this article and consider signing up for Korean lessons today. There are lots of benefits of doing so – as you can see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fk3v5l_904
Is Korean Easy to Learn? Absolutely – and Here’s Why
When considering language lessons, many people shy away from Asian languages like Japanese and Korean because they fear these languages are too challenging to learn. While every language has certain challenges, some languages are more complex than others.
Here are seven reasons why learning Korean isn’t as hard as you think!
Unlike Japanese and Chinese, Korean script uses a phonetic alphabet which consists of 24 basic ‘letters’ (two fewer than English).
There are 14 consonants and 10 vowels that can be combined to make all the sounds in the language.
Created by King Sejong back in the 1400’s, Korean was originally referred to by scholars as a children’s script because it’s so easy to learn!
When most people think about Asian languages, they imagine tonal languages where different tones create entirely new meanings.
Guess what? Korean, just like English, bypasses these complications by not using tones at all!
When it comes to Korean grammar, it’s almost mathematical in the way that it’s organized.
Once you understand the concept of a verb stem, it’s just basic addition and subtraction after that.
In fact, grammar rules are often written in textbooks with the “+” sign because the rules really do read like simple math problems.
English grammar is renowned for the number of exceptions for every rule. You can hardly learn to spell a word or make the subject and verb agree without coming across an exception to the rule.
Korean grammar rules are very straightforward, and have very few exceptions. So, once you learn a rule, you can basically apply it freely (for the most part) without worrying about those pesky exceptions.
When people look to learn an Asian language, they tend to go for the big names like Japanese and Chinese. It’s true that both Japan and China have larger populations than Korea, but the growth of Korea’s economy and its expanding cultural influence worldwide make it the trendy choice.
From Psy’s “Gangnam Style” to the movie “The Interview,” Korea is taking center stage in place of Japan and China.
Opportunities to speak Korean and take in quality Korean-language media are multiplying at lightening speeds.
The Korean language is being used more in professional and recreational settings, which makes it even more accessible to Korean-language students.
Ever wonder why the subtitles of your favorite Korean drama are so long compared with what the actor or actress actually says? This is because Korean is a highly contextualized language.
This means you don’t need to worry about constructing lengthy complete sentences to get your meaning across, since your listener already has 90 percent of the information.
So many utterances in Korean conversations consist of only verbs, like “did” or “ate” and adjectives like “good” or “delicious,” and they leave out all the unnecessary fluff that is obvious based on the context.
This makes it much easier to carry on a conversation.
You may worry that if you start learning Korean, you won’t have many opportunities to practice your new language.
Rest assured, there are so many native speakers who are trying to learn English that it’s as easy as “lying down and eating rice cake” (a Korean idiom meaning something is easy, like “a piece of cake”) to make friends with someone interested in a language exchange.
How Can I Learn Korean By Myself?
Learning a new language is definitely not an easy task. It takes time, effort and a lot of patience. However, it can be a very rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. If you have the dedication to learn Korean by yourself, then there are definitely ways that you can go about doing so! Here are some tips on how you can learn Korean by yourself.
How to Learn Korean with Books
One way that you can learn Korean by yourself is by using books. There are many different books out there that can teach you the basics of the Korean language. Start with a basic book that covers the alphabet and basic grammar rules. Once you feel more comfortable with the language, move on to more advanced books that cover topics such as vocabulary and conversation. You can also find books that contain specific dialogues that will help you practice your conversational skills.
Korean Learning via Lessons
Another way to learn Korean by yourself is via lessons. You can find many different kinds of lessons online or even in some language learning software programs. These lessons will usually cover the same topics as what you would find in a book but they will be presented in a more interactive way. This can be a great option for those who prefer learning via visuals and audio instead of just reading texts.
Learn Korean Online
You can also learn Korean online by using one of the many resources that are available. There are websites that offer free video and audio lessons, as well as ones that you have to pay for. There are also online forums where people who are learning Korean can interact with each other and practice their conversation skills. Additionally, there are also chat rooms where native Korean speakers can help you practice your skills. Whichever option you choose, make sure that you find a reputable site so that you can be sure that you’re getting accurate information.
Best App to Learn Korean
If you want to learn Korean fast, then one of the best options is to use an app specifically designed for language learning. These apps usually have extensive content and allow you to track your progress as you go along. They also often have features such as games and quizzes to help make the learning process more fun and engaging. Some of the best apps for learning Korean include Duolingo, Babbel, and LingoDeer.
Best Way to Learn Korean Fast
If you want to know how to learn Korean fast, unfortunately, there is no single best way to learn Korean by yourself – it really depends on what works best for you personally. However, all of the methods mentioned above – using books, taking lessons, learning online or via an app – are all great ways to go about it! The most important thing is to just get started and be persistent with your studies!
How Long Does it Take to Learn Korean?
The Korean language is one of the most popular languages in the world, and many people are interested in learning it. The good news is that Korean is a relatively easy language to learn, and it can be mastered in a relatively short amount of time.
There are a few factors that will affect how long it takes to learn Korean.
First, it is important to have some prior exposure to the language. If you already know some basic Korean words and grammar, you will be able to pick up the language much more quickly.
Second, how much time you are willing to devote to learning Korean will also play a role. If you are only able to dedicate a few hours per week to studying, it will obviously take longer than if you were able to study for several hours every day.
Finally, your learning style will also impact how long it takes you to learn Korean. Some people are able to pick up new languages very quickly, while others find that they need more time and practice.
However, regardless of your individual learning style, with enough effort and dedication, you should be able to master Korean in a reasonable amount of time.
Is Korean Easy to Learn for Beginners?
As you can see, there are lots of good reasons why learning Korean isn’t as hard as you might think. So if you’ve been thinking about studying Korean, there’s no need to be intimidated—just jump right in! Before you know it, you could be reading, writing, and speaking Korean like a pro!
When it comes to learning Korean, the opportunities are truly endless! Hopefully, with these facts, you feel more at ease about your decision to learn Korean.
Remember, the best way to learn a new language is through lessons with a private tutor. Find a Korean teacher near you and start learning today!
Post Author: Bryce J.Bryce J. teaches college-level Korean and ESL classes in Minneapolis, MN. He has his MA. in teaching from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Learn more about Bryce here!
Maile Proctor