My Language Journey: Korean Focused

Route Map: 

Where it started?---》A detour---》Back on the road, again---》Roadblocks---》Destination?

Where it started?

Unlike the popular stories about how every individual’s language journey started, mine is a bit different (no surprises there, right?). I did not have the “need” to start learning a new language at that time, because I was neither relocating nor traveling. It had always been a “bucket list” item, of course. And then one fine day, the prologue of my language story started.

It started during the latter part of 2009 when I came across a poem called “You are so lovely” (참 좋은 당신 or Cham johun dangshin) by Kim Yong-Taek. The poem of course was translated in English. However, the depth of the words showed through even in the translated version. I read few more translated poems by the same poet, and I was amazed with the thoughts that transcended into words.

Prologue

It moved me to a point where I wanted to learn the language and understand the words in their original form. I did a quick Google search, but sadly there were no language schools that taught Korean in my city. Internet resources too were very limited at that time. So, I had to postpone learning Korean. However, the eagerness to learn a new language kicked off.

A detour

During the spring of 2010, I was mesmerized by Monet’s works. As expected, I looked for French classes.

Thankfully, I found one which I could somehow accommodate to my academic schedule at the time. I enjoyed every bit of that time. Later that year, I watched my first K-drama. But more than the drama, the music moved me. I wanted to understand the lyrics and the desire to learn Korean was reignited. So, I started my self-learning journey. There were fewer online lessons available then, and hence, I could not learn as much as I had wished for. Because of this and some other reasons, I paused my Korean journey there. However, afterwards I caught up with other languages like Mandarin and German (which I continued for quite a few years).

Back on the road, again

It was as if I found the piece of a puzzle that I had been looking for. 

During 2020-21, somehow, I again stumbled upon the same Korean poem. That was my moment of epiphany. It was then that I re-started my Korean self-learning journey. There were plenty of resources online, more than I had expected to find. I did not just focus on the language this time. I started learning about their culture, their lifestyle, their art, and other aspects as well.

It was as if I discovered a part of me, a part that was there all along. It was sort of a soul connection. I identified with many things. It was as if I found the piece of a puzzle that I had been looking for. You would know what it meant to me and how much it has influenced me if you have read my first book. (If you haven’t yet, this is your cue. 😉)

Roadblocks?

Well, there always is some kind of obstacle in a story. There is one in mine too. Self-studying a language is difficult by itself. And with my work schedule (that involved a job, my writing, and a few hobbies), maintaining appropriate study hours for Korean language was becoming more and more challenging. Absence of a definite course structure was not making things any better. For days, weeks, and months, I was not making any progress. It was as if I was moving in an entangled loop. I knew it was time for opting a structured learning program - a proper language class for Korean… just like the ones I took for the other languages.

Considering my schedule, attending a class sounded almost like a crazy idea. But what is life without a little whimsy and a few quirks! Earlier the language had found me. This was my time to make the choice. And I chose the language. Of course. Why would I have not? After all, Korean helped me explore myself and rediscover Love. I signed up for the class.

But what is life without a little whimsy and a few quirks! Earlier the language had found me. This was my time to make the choice.

Destination?

Signing up for a class (or starting to learn anything) will not make anyone good automatically and instantly. It requires discipline and diligence. I too am not good at it. I have barely managed to write a couple of pieces till now. But, believe me, the experience and the fun are incomparable. It shows you avenues you never knew existed before.

Everyone must be waiting to know how it ended, right? Not everything has an ending. Mine, too, has no ending. I am not looking for an ending either. This language is already a part of me. And it will always be. If you are wondering why I am saying this, take a dive… explore the language. Every moment will be worth it.

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