Postby trutherous » May 9th, 2011 3:59 pm
I'm sure you already know there is no easy way and there really are no short cuts. Following that, here are my tips:
1. "Saturation" - Input, input, input - nothing can flow OUT of you unless it has already gone IN. Unfortunately when it comes to languages it seems like for every word that flows out naturally a thousand words of input are required. So get plenty of diverse input. Also, along with lots of input of the target language attempt to reduce intake of your mother language.
2. Diverse Input - Augment book/classroom study with drama, movies, broadcast etc. - do not use subtitles except when testing your understanding of something you have already watched without subtitles.
3. Practice, practice, practice - put yourself in situations with native speakers as often as possible - if you can find a Korean church that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable you may find new friends and great opportunity to practice by attending on a regular basis. Many Korean churches now offer simultaneous translation of the service on wireless headset but I don't recommend using the translation devices if your goal is to learn the language.
4. Become Korean - Create a Korean personality in your mind - their history is your history - their culture is your culture - Talk to yourself in the target language. Describe things to yourself in the target language. Imagine and rehearse explaining everyday things to native speakers. If you create a Korean personality in your mind it is only natural that you speak Korean.
Finally, I would say "keep it fun" but a realist knows that this is not always possible. Learning can be a lot of hard work, but I compare study to exercise -- not many people really enjoy exercising but almost all people like the benefits of exercise.
So anyway, keep up the good work!
By the way, I think you are doing great and I would change what you said in your introduction to '조금 해요'
