Today's challenge is to show or write about something you want to learn or learn more about.
I grew up speaking only English. In high school, we had a language requirement and for that, I took Latin. No, Latin isn't really spoken, but being the basis for many European languages, it has come in handy time and time again. When I went to see "Eat, Pray, Love" a couple of weeks ago, I actually understood Julia Roberts when she was speaking Italian. I always regretted not taking a language that could be spoken though and always thought I'd get around to it. I wanted to learn Welsh for a lark, thinking that one day I'd get back over there and be able to speak the native language.
As it turns out, I will be going to Korea long before I get back to Wales. My brother Matthew is living there, teaching English at a private school - and is about to marry a Korean girl. I'm going to the wedding.
I've never been to another country that didn't speak English. So I decided that I wanted to learn some Korean before I go.
Let me tell you - an Asian language is VERY different from learning a different European language. You can't even translate into an alphabet that you recognize. It is kind of a daunting task for such a short period of time. But I do have a little help.
I've got my tools and I'm about to plunge into it seriously now that the all-time-consuming dealing with post-surgical husband and house and yard and childcare portion of my month has wound down. I have a little under two months to learn something - and I'm hoping it's enough to at least make a little sense and understand something of what is being said to me! The poor guy at the New Seoul Korean Deli here is going to get an earful of bad Korean for a little bit!
Now go see what the other participants this week want to learn!
Faye
Swampy
Joangee
CynicalGirl
Sandy
Bethany
Jill
11 comments:
I'm not sure I could begin to tackle that one...good luck.
We are up and running with my Mon Funday...and I tried really hard to follow the directions.
It's not exactly what you asked for, but the link provided may be more in line with the assignment.
At any rate, thanks for hosting.
I love this. I would also like to play this week. I just forgot to sign up.
Happy Learning!
A friend of mine many years ago took a Chinese class (another friend was going to China, and he took the class to give her moral support). He already was fluent in several languages, but found learning Chinese to be a bit of a challenge!
My Fun Monday is up: http://cynicalgirl57.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/fun-monday-learning/
Wow that is a real challenge, I can only imagine how hard that would be. That is so exciting going to Korea, what a great opportunity.
Gosh, what a big ask to learn such a seemingly complex language. Good luck. Hope you take and share with us some photos of your travels.
Rosetta Stone is supposed to be a great learning tool. I would love to know how you do with it.
I'd like to play Fun Monday this week. It's been a while & I kind of miss it.
http://icecreammama.blogspot.com/2010/09/fun-monday.html
With the Labor Day holiday, I just realized it is Monday night not Sunday night; I guess I'm late for Fun Monday! I'll try again next week :)
Hello, my last post was a Fun Monday. I am delighted to see that you are keeping the practice alive. I am also happy to read that you are interested in learning Welsh. My son took a short course in Welsh at the end of his college career. My husband's ancestry is reportedly from Wales although they may be from the east of Great Britain. Additionally, we have been invited to take a trip to Wales next summer. I am sure that you will master enough Korean for your trip. Hopefully, you can keep us posted.
I posted late, and even later, because my hubby didnt fix the computer/camera connection.. so it's up, but without photos!
I posted late, and even later, because my hubby didnt fix the computer/camera connection.. so it's up, but without photos!
I agree with you about Latin's usefulness. Took three years in high school and it still comes in handy--playing scrabble, etc. Another good way to become familiar with a foreign language is to watch foreign films with subtitles. Lately I've watched several Swedish and Czech films and am picking up a few phrases. Maybe you need to work at the Korean deli partime--dinner and a language lesson?
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