The Korean language is gaining traction due to the recent rise in the K-Pop culture. People across the world are developing an interest in the language to learn and understand their favorite songs.
According to a study, nearly 160,000 students enrolled in Korean classes to learn the language in just 2020.
You might be wondering how to learn Korean, or are there any courses specializing in learning Korean for beginners? You have come to the right spot; millions learn Korean through entertainment and internet resources by taking part in Korean language classes. Besides this, there are several ways to self-learn Korean online, that is, by hiring a Korean tutor.
Experts believe that learning a language can be difficult, but students should opt for classes that are taught by multilingual professionals. Superprof offers Korean tutors that will help you understand the language and master it to the point where you can use it in everyday conversation. The learning Korean for beginners course is specifically designed for students who are intermediaries but have a love for learning the Korean language.
While enrolling in a Korean lesson or class is always beneficial, many alternative ways can help you master a language independently. The following article will give you tips on how to learn Korean at home efficiently.
Learn The Korean Alphabet
Before you can work your way toward learning a hard language like Korean, the first step is to learn the Korean alphabet, also called Hangul.
The alphabet was first used in the 15th century AD and consisted of 14 consonants and ten vowels.
Experts believe it is the most scientific collection of alphabet, making it one of the easiest languages to learn.
Most people use Roman alphabets to pronounce certain words, completely deflecting Hangul's learning process. The truth is that using this method is not feasible when learning the entire language. Learning the Korean script is important if you want to master the language quickly and effectively.
There are limitations when it comes to learning with the help of Roman alphabets instead of Hangul. For example, take ㄱ, ㅋ, ㄲ. The first letter of Hangul is ㄱ or 기역 (giyeok), which sounds similar to something between G and K. Unlike Roman alphabets, the pronunciation will change based on where the letter is located.
Invest In A Solid Learning System
Choosing an ineffective medium to learn Korean online can negatively impact your progress and dampen your interest in the subject. Most people turn to random YouTube videos to self-learn Korean or take free learning Korean for beginners' courses. Since there is no sequence and commitment, people might take twice as long to learn a single Korean lesson as someone learning it with professional assistance.
There are several learning systems, including dedicated Korean language programs in America, with not only a proper plan to teach the language but also time-bound lessons. Most conventional learning methods require students to attend lessons in person. Furthermore, these lessons are equipped with tests and assignments.
The conventional learning methods encourage students to practically use the language in the form of assignments. Reading, writing, and speaking all play an important part in helping you retain more words per lesson and take you on the way to learning Korean effectively.
Private lessons from professional language instructors are by far the most effective method of learning the language. It allows you to have individual attention and helps you stay committed to the learning process. With platforms like Superprof, you can pick a Korean tutor and learn the language fun and interactive through online Korean language classes.
Watch Movies And Dramas
Watching entertaining Korean content is an effective and fun way to learn Korean. There is evidence that people understand languages if they watch movies and dramas in the language. An example of this is Turkish entertainment, which has resulted in a lot of people understanding the language.
Korean dramas are extensive with various genres and engaging plots/stories. The viewers can remain engaged and learn new words from Korean music and movies.
The reason as to why entertainment speeds the learning process is that our minds are wired in a way that we retain more from audio-visual than only audio or written words. It will teach you not only the language but also the expressions, gestures, and context in which a term should be used.
Subtitles can play a huge role in learning a language through movies. Some experts even advise taking notes to jot down words you might not understand and look up their meanings later.
| S.no | Top Korean Movies And Dramas |
|---|---|
| 1. | Healer |
| 2. | Vagabond |
| 3. | Once Again |
| 4. | Vincenzo |
| 5. | Business Proposal |
| 6. | All of Us Are Dead |
| 7. | Squid Game |
| 8. | Hellbound |
Join A Language Exchange Community
The best way to learn Korean is through interacting with people who are fluent in the language. People that have Korean as a first language can help polish their comprehension and speaking skills. While many Korean tutors offer Korean lessons, becoming a part of a community where you can share your newly developed skills is better. There are several communities similar to these where people can teach others their languages in a friendly and interactive way.
Such platforms can help you gain a hand in learning a new language but also help you meet new people and make friends. One of the best parts about joining a language exchange community is that it is completely free.
Use Flashcards
In middle school, it is a common practice for students to use flashcards to revise the subject matter. While middle school is long in the past, using flashcards can still be just as helpful in learning a new subject, such as Korean.
The reason is that visual association plays a significant role in simplifying the learning process.
There are a number of ways you can use flashcards, for example, getting together with a friend to learn the language or someone that can assist you in the progression with the help of flashcards.
Listen To K-Pop
K-pop is gaining popularity, and the sheer traction that this genre has amassed in such a small timespan is phenomenal. If you are already a K-Pop fan, using their music as a tool for learning Korean is ideal for you. So, next time you listen to a K-Pop song, try listening to it with the lyrics and their translation open.
Learning a song is easier than learning a story. The reason is that each word is associated with a musical note. Being able to retain several words at a time can help you break them all down one at a time, helping you understand the words and use them in normal conversation.
Music is a highly effective method of teaching languages, and it has been used for centuries. Musical notes are a proven medium to register something into our long-term memory. For example, we might not remember songs or stories growing up, but everyone remembers their favorite nursery rhyme as a child. Using music as leverage toward learning a language is, thus, one of the quickest ways of learning a new language.
| S.no | Popular Korean Bands | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Blackpink | |
| 2. | EXO | |
| 3. | BIGBANG | |
| 4. | BTS | |
| 5. | GOT7 | |
| 6. | TWICE | |
| 7. | Girls' Generation | |
| 8. | Astro |
Loan Words From Your Native Language
Learning a new language will always be challenging regardless of the learning method. However, small strategies and tools can make the process less complicated.
All languages are a culmination of one or more languages, and there will often be words that have the same meaning in both languages with a bit of modification. These words are referred to as loan words.
In order to improve your vocabulary and confidence, the first step is conversation. In certain parts of the world, English-style Korean or Konglish is a great way of getting familiar with a language using words you would use in your everyday dialect. This can be a great stepping stone to mastering the language.
Learning a language to a native level proficiency is not an easy task, and while self-learning can build your basics, you will always need the help of an expert to take you to fluency. This is where Superprof comes in. We have a team of experienced Korean tutors that know exactly how to help you polish your base-level skills to perfection.
Want To Learn Korean From An Expert At Superprof
Self-learning can be a great way to understand any language, no matter how complex, be it Korean or Japanese.
However, since most methods have no monetary costs and the student is not bound to follow through an entire course, it is easy to get sidetracked as soon as the Korean lessons start getting difficult. This is why a Korean tutor can play an important role in helping you improve by keeping you committed.
At Superprof, we have a team of Korean teachers with extensive experience fluent in English and Korean. Our teachers have years of experience in helping students master a new language. We offer fun and interactive class sessions to help you learn Korean in the best way possible.
Visit Superprof today and start your journey of learning Korean.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
