Random Thoughts: Learning 한글

I always wanted to learn how to speak another language besides my native tongue (Filipino) and English. In high school, I studied Chinese Mandarin for a month but completely forgot everything since I didn't practice it and I didn't have friends at that time who can speak Chinese. 

I started learning the Korean alphabet a couple of weeks ago. Well, it’s quite hard since I’m self studying. I already know how to say some basic words and sentences. What I wanted is to learn how to read 한글 (Hangeul).

My knowledge in Hangeul started in college. My friends and I asked our Korean classmates to teach us a few Korean words. We asked her how to say “Wanna die” and “shut up” in Korean. 닥쳐 and 죽을래 were my first Korean words. She thought us a lot of words but those were the only ones I remember. 

The other words I know are words I learned from watching Korean dramas such as:

Thank you – 감사합니다(kamsahamnida)

I Love you – 사랑해 (sarang hae)

Hello –        안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) - Formal

                    안녕 (annyeong) - Informal

What are you doing? - 지금 뭐 해요? (jigeum mweo haeyo?)

                             or 뭐 해? (mwo hae?)

Mom - 엄마 (Eom-ma)

Dad -아빠 (A-ppa)
Elder sister (for girls) - 언니 (Eon-ni)
Elder Sister (for boys) - 누나 (Nu-na)
Elder Brother (for girls) - 오빠 (O-ppa)
Elder Brother (for boys) - 형 (Hyeong)
Grandfather - 할아버지 (Ha-ra-beo-ji)
Grandmother - 할머니 (Hal-meo-ni)

A year ago, I downloaded a Korean language app. The app is actually good for people who are traveling to Korea. You can learn how to greet to starting a general conversation.

How are you? -잘 지내셨어요 (jal jinaesseoyo)

Where’s the toilet? -화장실이 어디에요? (hwa jang shili eodieyo?)

My Koreans students were fascinated that I can actually talk in Korean. They even told me that I would be a good Korean student. 

My Korean friend whom I met in Taiwan last year actually told me that I have a good pronunciation. She can't speak English very well but we managed to understand each other through her broken English and my broken Korean. 

After my trip to Taiwan, I was determined to learn more. So, I downloaded tons of Korean language apps. I really did study the language and try to practice it with my former students and friends thru KakaoTalk. I can say that I can read and write now but there are still a few words that confuse me. I can now understand around 30% of what I read. It will help a lot if you practice it. 

Image from Google