EPTI've been seeing a lot of interest from people to learn Korean, or who have been posting their experiences with learning Korean (or other languages). I wanted to post my experiences with learning Korean in hopes to maybe inspire those who are interested or currently engaged in learning this language or others.
So it all started for me when a friend of mine traveled to Japan for a month. When she came back she introduced a bunch of us to this K-Pop boy-band by the name of BIGBANG. And now for a shameless plug: + Show Spoiler +
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btzWz3KrHt0&feature=channel_video_title Channel:FeelBeforeWatering
*GD himself sent us a letter thanking us for this video
*GD himself sent us a letter thanking us for this video
Filming that video marked the beginning for all things Korean for me.
A month after filming Nov. '10, my friend (who I mentioned before) created Korean Conversation Club and I joined in January of this year.
So, that's a quick summary of the back story, but what's really important here is what KCC is. KCC was started by a couple of English speakers who were obsessed with K-Pop and Korean dramas, so much so that they had an incredible urge to learn the language. So they approached their Korean friends with an idea:
If we help you with English, can you teach us Korean?
And as we reach our 52nd KCC, 1 year, that idea still remains the core principle for KCC. However, what KCC "is", is something much more than that. KCC is the personal relationships you build while learning Korean. Allow me to explain . . . .
The beginning of anything helps to dictate the path that will be followed in the future. This is how KCC was, and still is. For the longest time, KCC was four English speakers and a handful-and-a-half of Korean speakers. This dynamic led to a very intimate learning experience because we weren't only investing in language, we were investing in relationships. One evening a week we would duck into a small classroom at the University of Calgary and for two hours teach one another and you knew it would be the same group as the week before. I think what added to the intimacy was the fact that we were all experiencing something that no one had before. For the Koreans it helped ease them into a new culture by being able to meet new people in a very casual, non-threatening environment while also giving them a little comfort from home (other Koreans). For the English speakers: it became an opportunity to represent our Country, Province, and City. And, for everyone, it became a place to make friends
Eventually, all things must end. The thing about studying a language in another country is the fact that you will likely have to return home; for the Korean KCC members, this was a very real fact. The end of January marked the first group of departures from our group. In a fledgling club, any member you lose can be hard, but, for any friendship, a friend leaving is all the more devastating. It really is a testament, though, to how much more the club is than just an exchange of knowledge when every member that returns home leaves an irreplaceable void in his/or stead. But, with the departure of so many, we saw an influx of new Koreans.
There is always a fork in the road. The first leg of KCC was always more Korean dominated. Although we were trying, our Canadian friends weren't interested in learning Korean, so the English side of the club was still headlined by the four English speakers. As summer rolled around we had gotten used to seeing Koreans leave and new ones come and take their place, but when school was over, and the job hunt began, the English component was facing extinction . . . and so was KCC. We were at a stand still: do we stop KCC for the summer, or do we work harder to find more English teachers? Ultimately we decided on the latter, as well as a new structure to how classes would be taught. KCC didn't only survive, but entered into a second life. Almost all the original members were gone, or busy, and, on the backs of a few of us, we had a whole new group of Koreans and Canadians who would be following the groundwork of what we laid down mere months before.
When something means a lot to you, hold on to it. This past year, I've said goodbye to some of the best friends that I'm sure I'll ever have. But, the glory of KCC is that the relationships we have forged will always hold a very special reservation in each other's lives. I know that if I ever go to Korea, I have a network of friends that are willing to take care of me, and likewise goes for them if they ever want to return.
Some KCC accomplishments:
- 48 members as of Dec. 2/'11.
- KCC camping trip.
- First KCC wedding.
- KCC: Seoul chapter.
- Two Korean vacations.
- First KCC teacher in Korea.
- Over 100 hours of language taught.
- Hundreds of bottles of Soju drank (probably true if I could remember it)
I also met my girlfriend through KCC*
So I want to extend this to you, TeamLiquid. All of you who are interested in learning Korean, or any other language, start a KCC of your own. There are, literally, a ton of Koreans everywhere who are interested in learning and sharing their culture with you. In the process you may pick up Korean, you may pass on some information, but you may also find that you pick up the most meaningful relationships that you'll ever find in your life.
If anyone is interested in this, or would like to start a KCC: TL Chapter, feel free to comment or PM me. I have ideas. Also, if you're in Calgary and wish to join us, we meet at the UofC every Tuesday at 6:00pm in the Education building (rooms vary)
