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Every language has problems and pitfalls when it comes to learning how to function with it properly. Below are some of the perceived problems you will encounter when learning Korean.
Pronunciation --- There are sounds in the Korean language that frankly do not exist in the English language.
Translated writing system --- Officially, the McCune-Reischauer translation system has been applied and supported as well as the standard Romanization system when written in the Romanized or Arabian form. However, sometimes both systems are used interchangeably creating various transliterations of words that can often confuse the non-Korean. This is especially true with proper names.
Examples:
McCune-Reischauer system Standard Romanization
Chae Choi
Gangnam Kangnam
When this situation presents itself it is best to learn enough Hangeul to double-check place names because they will always be seen on street signs, in subway stations, etc. along with the transliteration.
Choosing the right word to say --- The English language is famously known to have different definitions for the same words or different words for the same meaning. In Korean language, the same rule applies, usually with one word that has a double meaning. Often times these will be words in which some are spoken and others are written language.
Example:
Which – 어 떤 or 어 느
Grammar Structure --- In order to know Korean grammar, some people say that you need to know it like a linguistic because it is so scientific and logical. While our language is Subject + Verb + Object in structure, Korean language is structured as Subject + Object + Verb.
In addition, almost every word is marked with particles or markers based on the role it plays.
Status of Speaker --- Besides the grammatical form, when speaking Korean, one needs to be highly aware of whom that person is speaking to. If it is a superior such as a professor or your boss, one language is used. IF it’s to someone equal another form. Much younger, and still you ust know another form. If the wrong form is used, you can easily offend someone, especially if you find yourself in conversation with an older person.
This is also true with terms of address used according to social rank. For example, if a woman looks like she is old enough to be married, she is referred to an ajumma., but if she’s single and not married, she’s then called an agassi.
High Context culture --- While in Western society, when we communicate with each other, we are prone to saying exactly what we think or feel. In Eastern society, communication is more subtle and what one says oftentimes doesn’t mean what they say. This is especially true when instead of saying I, for example, Koreans will often communicate in the context of we or speak as if they are referring to the self without doing so.
Such perceived communication as explained takes a lot of exposure to not only language function but also insights into proper Korean customs.
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