When learning a new language, you need to dedicate as much time and effort as you possibly can to achieve fluency in no time. Indeed, enlisting yourself in various Korean classes in Singapore helps greatly. But when you have a lot on your hands, making time for mastering Korean can be quite challenging.
In this case, integrating Korean into your everyday life can be an effective way for you to master a foreign tongue while keeping to your daily responsibilities. Perhaps cut your screen time and utilise your lunch break to master the language. Read on to learn the various strategies you can apply, even on your shortest coffee break.
1. Make use of phone apps dedicated to language learning
Learning doesn’t necessarily have to be dull or tiring. In order for you to seamlessly integrate it into your everyday tasks, you can make it fun. There are multiple Korean language-learning apps available on both Apple Store and Google Play to make the entire experience more enjoyable.
These apps are tailored to ensure that you can conveniently increase your proficiency – within are the different proficiency levels and sections. So the next time you’re headed for a cup of coffee during your break, have your language learning app ready as you savour each sip!
Download podcasts in Korean
If you are an audio learner, this tip is perfect for you. Consider listening to a podcast spoken in Korean as you help yourself to your lunch box. Not only do podcasts relay information related to the Korean language and culture, but it also helps to hone your listening comprehension skills by making you familiar with the different Korean intonation and phonetics.
Apart from your quick office breaks, you can also turn to podcasts while riding the train to work, during your weekly grocery shopping, or other tasks that don’t demand much from your all five senses.
If you’re looking for a language learning podcast, the most effectives ones usually offer transcripts and show notes that go alongside its audio. If you’re lucky, you might even find a podcast that provides a specific workbook on every episode – a great addition to your resources.
Make use of flashcards
Some students often use flashcards to help them review for an exam since it helps with retaining specific terminologies. The same strategy can be useful if you are trying to learn a new language.
Whenever you encounter a word that you haven’t heard before, jot it down on a flashcard. Also, pen down its definition and a sentence example so that you can comprehend and remember it better. You can even go as far as categorising the words by their definition or how often you come across them – whichever works better for you in your language learning process.
Engage in conversations that use Korean
Since Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, hailing from many different countries, you are likely to meet a person of Korean nationality or the ability to speak Korean fluently. If you do, request to engage in conversations that include Korean vocabulary. This will be a great opportunity for you to hone your proficiency in foreign speech and dialogue with a friend or two to motivate you.
Include Korean in your media consumption
When you have basic knowledge of the Korean tongue, watching Korean television shows or listening to Korean music helps sharpen that knowledge. Netflix has a wide catalogue of Korean movies for you to choose from, and many Korean artists have their music available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Chances are, these movies have accompanying subtitles that help you understand what the characters are saying, especially if you’re not quite adept in the language yet. And there is no shame in depending on subtitles while you master the language.
Conclusion
When you make the first step to learn Korean in Singapore, switch it up by integrating it into your daily routine. You can make use of phone applications geared to help you learn languages better or listen to podcasts that discuss the fundamentals of the Korean culture. You can also use flashcards to help you remember new words, talk with a native Korean speaker and even consume Korean media. Use these tips to boost your Korean proficiency today!
