Korean Language Studies

I have been studying Korean Language on-and-off. Before that, I tried Japanese Language and Arabic Language. In all of my language classes, I was always the odd student who attend class just for my pure intention of appreciating the beauty of the ONLY the language itself. Most students were interested in the culture and music. Because of that, I tend to lose my passion of learning those languages to completion.


Anyway, here are two great online resources to learn the Korean Language for FREE!

1.  Talk to Me in Korean (TTMIK)

There are lots of sections to focus on here (grammar, vocabulary, culture, etc.). Their lessons are in bite-sized which allow easy digestion and absorption in the brain. There are 9 levels with each level having 20-30 lessons.

For each lesson, there are notes in pdf and an accompanying podcast (less than 30 minutes long). The notes can also be downloaded in bulk as an e-book for a small fee. There are also other paper-form books, such as workbooks and vocabulary books, that can be bought from their store.

Overall, their curriculum and resources are very comprehensive and their teachers are friendly. Their app is available for download into your phone. It makes for an easy listening while commuting.  

    

2.  The Cyber University of Korea (CUK) 

This is a recent found. It is a decent resource for those with some background in Korean language. I read that it was started last year. At current, they are focused for those who know the English or Spanish Language.

There are 4 levels with each level consisting of 15 lessons (less than an hour for each lesson). Similar to TTMIK, they provide notes in pdf but instead of a podcast, they have a video for each lesson. The rate of the videos are too slow for me. Fortunately, its speed can be forwarded to x1.25, x1.5 and x2.  

After each level, students are able to seat for an online multiple choice test. With the completion of each test, student will be given an online certificate indicating their completion. Since CUK is made in collaboration with Korea University, I believe the certificate will be of value. However I read that these certificates only extends to the equivalent of TOPIK level 3.5. If you are one who prefer a more worldwide recognized certificate for Korean Language, I recommend going for TOPIK tests in your own country.    

I hope this is helpful. There are lots of resources out there, but to be able to locate these gems are rare.

  

Detachment #2: Time-Wasters

I waste my time a LOT. I never intended to, but majority of the time I do. Facebook and Youtube are my source of time-wasters. I only blame myself for not having a strict rigid schedule for my life.

Is anyone like me? Everything I do is dependent on my mood. Take this post, I had the urge to write what is on my mind and I am typing it now. My "To-do" list is empty, mainly because everything I intend to do has no set deadline. And when someone push a task to me without prior notice, I will get upset even if I am free at that time.

So many defects in myself. Well, no use in drowning in my own self-pity. I am going to change. Gambatte!

I will now commit myself to not wasting my time. There will still be entertainment, it will just be limited. Throughout my life, I have had successful time-saving strategies. Unfortunately, I tend to drop the habit as soon as my amount of responsibilities lessen or when I felt that I was too extreme. Another reason will be to numb myself from the situation I am in. I have been trying my best to find the balance in freeing up my time for family, friends and self versus immersing myself in my interests (learning new subjects or skills).



Step 1: CHANGING MY MINDSET
My mood should not dictate my activities.
Time is precious, do not waste it.
Be a productive human.
By these 3 simple sentences, let me reboot my mind and code them into my brain.


Step 2: LIST ACTIVITIES, SET A TIMETABLE & STICK TO IT
Paper, pen and Google calendar. I shall give myself this coming week to adjust myself to the routine.
It will be a long-term commitment and will not be easy. Let's see how this goes.