MANNAM international Korean class: Diary(6/08/2013)

6/08/2013

There was Korean class in Jeonju MANNAM.

This week, we’ve learn about “past form”.

The students from different countries were studying very hard.

They looked so serious asking me a lot of questions

and concentrated on my words to understand what I was saying.

It seemed to be really hard for them to pronounce Korean vowels.

But they kept trying to say perfectly.

I admire their courage.

Here is Super-beginners’ class.

These students have been studying from the basic of Korean.

After learning the basic, they will be able to read and say some sentences.

It will make them easier to stay here in Korea.

I wish they feel happy with knowing Korean language.

And that is my purpose of teaching in MANNAM.

Would you like to join?

E-mail me:) jaekyeongpark@gmail.com

MANNAM Korean Class - Using verbs;"치다", "타다", "하다"

Hello, Mannamers!!

I'm going to post up about Korean today! :)

I think some verbs in Korean are much confusing for you to use.

That's becuase there are some differences between English and Korean in using verbs.

(Of course, they are different!!  lol)

I mean those are hard to be translated, so you just need to remember them.

Here are some examples which can help you to learn.

                             (picture source: Korean make easy for beginners)



"치다" means "to hit", but you can use many cases such as,

*테니스를 치다(play tennis)

*탁구를 치다(play table tennis)

*피아노를 치다(play the piano)

*타자를 치다(type)

*박수를 치다(clap)

"타다" means "to ride", but you can use many cases such as,

*스케이트를 타다(skate)

*스키를 타다(ski)

*자전거를 타다(ride a bike)

*택시를 타다(take a taxi)

*미끄럼틀 타다(go down the slide)

"하다" means "to do", but you can use many cases such as,

*축구를 하다(play soccer)

*농구를 하다(play basketball)

*태권도를 하다 (do teakwando)

*요가를 하다(do yoga)

*운동을 하다(to work out)

MANNAM Korean class - An essay Ⅴ by a MANNAM Korean Class teacher

When I started the Korean class in the Wanju center last Sunday, I noticed two Nepaleses did not look fine, who seemed to have some problems. They said that they would be transferred to Cheonan for the work in the first week of May.

For seven months of the Korean class I have really become attached to all of the students in the Korean class. Therefore, I was so sorry to hear that they would leave for another place soon.

In addition, they expressed their wish to continue the Korean class through MANNAM even after moving to Cheonan. I was willing to introduce Mannam in Cheonan. In the Wanju Korean class through MANNAM, they have been one little light. Now, I hope they make an effort and achieve a victory so that they become the brighter one through another MANNAM in Cheonan.

Written by

Hwang, Jae-yeon

MANNAM Korean: Different Names for Hangeul

Hello, MANNAM friends!

The other day, I posted about Hangeul Day and I'm going to let you know more about Korean today.

This is a story about changing names of Korean letters.

I would like to share it with you.

When Han-geul was first invented, it was named 'Hoon Min Jung Um(훈민정음)' by King Sejong. It means "The true sound(letters) to be used to teach people". However, the noble people at that time did not welcome the advent of Han-geul, and since they were imbued with the view that China is the center of the world, they kept an attitude of despising Han-geul compared to Chinese characters and writings.

Therefore, Chinese characters and writings were called 'Jinseo(진서)-meaning true letters' whereas Han-geul was often called 'Unmun(언문)' And there are some views that Han-geul was called 'Amkul(암클)' because it was mainly used by women, or 'Ahatkul(아했글)' because it was only for the use of children who did not learned Chinese characters. However, we cannot confirm whether the names were actually used because there is no clear record of use of the names 'Amkul' or 'Ahatkul'.

During the civilization period, names like 'Jung Um(정음)', 'Gook Mun(국문)' were often used due to the high valuation of Han-geul, letters native to Korea, as people began to cherish national spirit. Joo Shi Kyung seems to be the first who named Korean letters 'Han-geul'. Joo Shi Kyung devoted himself to educating and studying Korean language and letters with great affection for them. He began to use terms such as 'Han Nara Gul(한나라글), Han Nara Mal(한나라말), Han Mal(한말)', and he changed the names of 'Bae Dal Mal Gul Mot Um(배달말글 몯음)' or 'Chosun O Kangsup Won(조선어 강습원)' to 'Han-geul Mo(한글모)', 'Han-geul Bae Got(한글배곧)', and he also wrote 'Han-geul Pul Iee(한글풀이)' for the children's magazine 'Aidle Boy(아이들보이)'(1913. 9) The name 'Han-geul' was generalized since then.

The source : The National Institute of the Korean Language

MANNAM Korean: Hangeul Day.

MANNAM volunteer association has been teaching Korean language for free. The reason why we are doing this is to make foreigners staying in Korea feel easier by learning Korean language. Although there are so many foreigners in this country, many of places and roads have no English translations, and there aren't  many Koreans who are able to speak English. I've seen lots of troubles because of it.

So,,, we are here to help you! :D

Today, I'd like to let you know about the origin of Hangeul(Korean letters') day.

If you've been learning Korean or interested in it, it would be good to know its history commonsensically.

The Origin of Hangeul Day

There were many complications in the history of designation of Han-geul Day on 9th October as today. Since King Sejong performed the project of inventing Han-geul secretly, there is no evident record related to the invention of Han-geul even in the authentic history. Although it is common to record the events connected with kings with exact dates, the record related to invention of Han-geul is not seen at all in the authentic history until the end of December of 1443(King Sejong 25). It just says without the date that 'the king invented 28 Un Mun(언문) this month'. 

And then after 3 years, at the end of September 1446(King Sejong 28), the record 'Hoon Min Jung Um(훈민정음) was completed this month' is seen without the date, either. These two records confused contemporary scholars a bit. So, they interpreted that Han-geul was first invented in December of 1443 but it was completed in September of 1446 after 3 years of modification and supplement. Thus they thought it would be better to take the invention time of Han-geul September 1446 rather than December 1443. Since the exact date of September was not recorded in the authentic history however, they just assumed the last day of the month and fixed Han-geul Day on 29th of October by converting it into solar calendar.  

In 1940's, Bang Jong Hyun(방종현) pointed out the record of September 1446 should be interpreted as meaning completion of the book {Hoon Min Jung Um(훈민정음)} (so called HaeRyeBon(해례본)) rather than completion of Han-geul itself as letters. Being embarrassed, the scholars who misinterpreted the record of September 1446 made an excuse that the designation of Han-geul Day was not totally wrong because Hoon Min Jung Um was promulgated in September 1446. 

Thereupon Han-geul Day had been maintained on 29th of October. However, the assertion that Hoon Min Jung Um was promulgated in September 1446 is also groundless. The record of September 1446 is about reporting the completion of a manuscript of HaeRyeBon(해례본) to King Sejong. It usually took several months for the books to be published and granted to the vassals even after a manuscript was completed. Consequently, Hoon Min Jung Um could never have been promulgated in September 1446.

Even though there are some places in which hang the picture 'the promulgation of Hoon Min Jung Um' on the wall, there is no record of any official events of promulgation of Hoon Min Jung Um by King Sejong. In short, designation of Han-geul Day on 29th of October stemmed from misinterpretation of historical records.

The original copy of Hoon Min Jung Um HaeRyeBon(훈민정음 해례본) was found afterwards. The date is written as 'the first part of September in the 28th year of King Sejong' in the preface by Jung In Ji. Although it was not the exact date either, it provided them with the necessity to shift approximately 20 days ahead from the last day of September. Therefore, Han-geul Day was fixed on the 9th of October moving 20 days ahead from 29th of October.

 

Although there were a lot of meanderings and happenings in the process of designation of Han-geul Day, it is true that all Korean people need a commemoration day to remember the intention of King Sejong and the scientific excellence of Han-geul. It is said that a linguist in the United States throw a party every year to commemorate the day on which the greatest character in the world was invented. Not only on Han-geul Day, but sometimes we need to be grateful to Han-geul for allowing us to live more comfortable lives.

The source : The National Institute of the Korean Language

An essay Ⅳ by a MANNAM Korean Class teacher

I teach Korean for foreign workers at the Wanju Korean Class on Sundays.

Since I started teaching Korean, I have expected that I would see new ones to come and join us every Sunday. One Sunday, as usual, students were waiting for and welcoming us.

When I began the class, I found a new foreign worker in the classroom. He who came to Korea 3 months ago from Sri Lanka was able to read Korean, he had learned Korean for 6 months in his country.

As one starts a crowd, the number of students has continued to grow little by little which brought me to the MANNAM's slogan, "When Light meets Light, there is Victory." I was grateful to them who tried not to miss the class and to improve their Korean skills.

On the way back home after class, there was a beautiful red sunset in the distance, which gave me an impression again. I live a very busy life with no time to spare. However, since I started volunteering, I have seen a special view in my life. I am very satisfied.

Written by

Jae yeon Hwang

MANNAM Doran Doran Korean culture class

It's been about 6 months since MANNAM Jeonju branch started Korean class. Many of foreigners came over and took lessens.

In December, 2012, we divided into two parts by level.

Here is the detail.

Every Saturday,

14:00~15:30 Beginner's level

16:00~17:30 Intermediate level

The class room is near Jeonbuk National University.



This time, we invited a special guest who was a teacher at different place; Wanju Korean class around Jeonju. For beginner's class, he taught about how to say numbers in different situations.

They looks confused. It seems that learning Korean for foreigners were so complicated. But, cheer up!! You guys can do it!!

Meanwhile, we opened a small super-beginner class for new students who didn't know about Korean at all. They learn from the Korean alphabets.

The beginning is half of the whole. I'll also keep my fingers crossed for them!

It was such a great time! I always enjoy being a part of it.

By the way, MANNAM is offering the Korean class for free. What a wonderful chance!!

Even if we, teachers, spend our time and efforts to make meaningful class, we don't expect the students to give us any money.

We just expect you to visit us and learn Korean for your better lives in this country.

We're welcome you all who want to study Korean with nice people.

Thank you. : ))

MANNAM Wanju Korean class(Mar.18th, 2013)

 Sun. Mar. 18th, 2013

Our diligent students studied Korean language.

This time, 13 students took my lesson which were less than usual.

Did they have some remaining work to do? I was concerned what happened to rest of the students.

I realized we were already like family.

They learned about the expression, "How could I do~?".

And I asked them to wrote about the working conditions in their company and present it one by one.

Listening to their presentation, I was very impressed.

They had made their own speech and announced in Korean.

I also could feel that they had been improving more and more.

I'm so happy to see their development.

Thank you all the awesome students. I'm very proud of you!

- Written by Jae yeon Hwang

An Essay Ⅲ written by a MANNAM Korean teacher.

It was in October of 2012. MANNAM Jeonju branch received a request from Wanju Industrial Complex where many foreign workers had worked. The Wanju government made a request to Mannam to organize a Korean class.

There was a guy named Subeiri from Indonesia. He asked if the class could be held in the complex. He learned about MANNAM when he participated the World Peace Festival. He told us there had been a lot of trouble staying here in Korea because he couldn't speak Korean. He didn't even have enough time and money to learn it since the Korean language institutes were so far away from the city. Many people desired to study Korean, so MANNAM started to hold the class every Sunday at the complex.

Since then, I've been teaching them for five months. I was so touched whenever I saw the students. They were always enthusiastic about studying, despite being tired from having work everyday.

Subeiri, one of the hard-working students, left Korea just last month because of his expired visa. While staying in Korea for about three years, he received the Korean Language Certification Level 1. He said he would come back as soon as he can, but I was sorry having to say good bye. We were like family.

He thanked us for having the class near his work place. Actually, he didn't have much time to experience Korea and its culture. He worked everyday he didn't have enough time to do something enjoyable. However, after meeting MANNAM, he was able to enjoy studying and learning Korean and its culture. He told me he would like to continue doing volunteer work in his country like he had done with MANNAM.

When light meets light, there is victory. This light makes our societies brighter and brighter. I feel good just thinking about it. Thanks to MANNAM, I received many precious things such as meeting a lot of new people. I would like to let you in on this happiness. When you share your talent with your neighbors, you will lead a bountiful life.



Interested in Korean? (2)

Let's learn about Korean Vowels!

In Korean words, vowels never go the first. But we have "o" which is a consonant has no sound when it goes first of words.

Thus, these “ㅏ” and “아” are the same in sound. But you should use the consonant "o" in writing.

Here, Im putting the letter "o" because I'd like to let you know the right place of vowels, which means the vowels go differently when those are combined with consonants.

You can find it out in the box below.

Korean Vowels

	basic		similar sound (in American English)		with /y/	combination method	similar sound (in American English)
1	아		father	2	야	ㅏ+- =ㅑ	yard
3	어		honest	4	여	ㅓ+- =ㅕ	yawn
5	오		go	6	요	ㅗ+- =ㅛ	yogurt
7	우		who	8	유	ㅜ+- =ㅠ	you
9	으		taken
10	이		teeth
	combination	combination method			with /y/	combination method
11	애	ㅏ+ㅣ=ㅐ	at	12	얘	ㅐ+- =ㅒ	yak
13	에	ㅓ+ㅣ=ㅔ	end	14	예	ㅔ+- =ㅖ	yes
15	와	ㅗ+ㅏ=ㅘ	watch	16	왜	ㅗ+ㅐ =ㅙ	wag
17	워	ㅜ+ㅓ=ㅝ	water	18	웨	ㅜ+ㅔ =ㅞ	wedding
19	외	ㅗ+ㅣ=ㅚ	weight
20	위	ㅜ+ㅣ=ㅟ	we
21	의	ㅡ+ㅣ=ㅢ	gooey

Check out the mouth shapes of basic vowels.

A lot of vowels we have!

But it's going to be easier when you understand the process.

Don't give up!! You can feel Korea and its culture more by understanding the language.

In addition, MANNAM has Korean class every Saturday. The time is 14:00~15:30, 16:00~17:30, and it's FREE!! : D

Please feel free to contact us if you want to join the class.

E-mail: jaekyeongpark@gmail.com

Thank you.

(reference; Korean made easy for beginners)

Interested in Korean? (1)

As a Korean teacher in MANNAM international, I would like to introduce about Korean Alphabets to you.

Today, I post the Consonants. Let's sound those alphabets correctly!
Are you ready? : )

Korean Consonants

	Consonants	Sounds	Notes
1	ㄱ	/g/ as in game
2	ㄴ	/n/ as in name
3	ㄷ	/d/ as in door
4	ㄹ	/l/,/r/ as in lamp, rain
5	ㅁ	/m/ as in mop
6	ㅂ	/b/ as in boy	not using much air
7	ㅅ	/s/ as in small
8	ㅇ	/o/ as in ox
9	ㅈ	/j/,/z/ as in jump, zoo
10	ㅊ	/ch/ as in chocolate	with an explosive sound, using a lot of air
11	ㅋ	/k/ as in kiss
12	ㅌ	/t/ as in table
13	ㅍ	/p/,/f/ as in pop, fan
14	ㅎ	/h/ as in home
	Doubles	Sounds tensed
15	ㄲ	/kk/ as in Gotcha!	louder, harder and stronger, with a tight throat
16	ㄸ	/tt/ as in Duh!
17	ㅃ	/pp/ as in bad!
18	ㅆ	/ss/ as in see
19	ㅉ	/jj/ as in gotcha!

In detial,

method of pronunciation ⇨	liquid	nasal	soft	aspirated	tensed
location of sound ⇩
using lips		ㅁ mop	ㅂ boy	ㅍ pop, fan	ㅃ bad!
tongue touching alveolar ridge	ㄹ lamp, rain	ㄴ name	ㄷ door	ㅌ table	ㄸ Duh!
air through teeth			ㅅ small		ㅆ see
with friction like /i/			ㅈ jump, zoo	ㅊ chocolate	ㅉ gotcha!
with tongue in the palate		ㅇ ox	ㄱ game	ㅋ kiss	ㄲ Gotcha!
with the larynx like /h/				ㅎ home

Does it help you? I am going to post Korean Vowels later.
Have a good day !

Reference: Korean made easy for beginners