What do you think about English education in Korea ?
I wanna know about the problem of English education in Korea.
I had learned for long at in ordinary schools; middle school for 3 years,
high school for 3 years, a junior college for 2 years, a university for 2 years,
a technique school for 2 years.
But I still was unable to speaking English. why ?
I don't know. What is the cause it ?
I still very difficult about speaking English.
The most Korean College students is very study hard to the TOEIC.
But They're cannot talk with a foreigner one world.
What do you think ?

Maybe it is because students concentrate too much on simply passing tests rather than actually trying to learn to speak the language. With all that pressure to score 100%, I don't blame them.

When I was in high school, I took two years of German because it was a requirement to have at least two years of a foreign language study. I got a very good grade for both years and that's all I cared about...passing. And now...all I can remember are a few words.

It's not only that, but there's also the factor that you do not hear or speak English very much on a regular basis. The only reason I was able to learn Hangul is because I've been here so long and it's all I can hear all day long. I practiced and studied hard--not to get good grades, but to really learn it. Had I lived in the states and studied Hangul, I probably would not know 25% of what I know now. :) 한국에 오래살아서...자꾸자꾸 귀속에 한국말 만들리니까...

Learning a language is really difficult, IMO. So you do not need to be so hard on yourself.

Here are some ideas...I know its funny, but my Korean friend, who was a former KATUSA, learned a lot, and these were his secrets: Buy those kids' books (Step 1-2-3 reading books) that have tapes and videos. Watch Sesame Street. Act out lines in American movies (pretend you are tha character). My friend tells me you have to master the very basics, first. 유치원 level 에서 다시 시작해서 완벽 하게 연수(?)하면...고등/대학 에서 배운 영어 가 다시 돌아온데요.

Shsong21

Having lived in Korea for the past 5 years and having several years experience as an educator I can state there are several factors that contribute to the difficulty in grasping the English language and also learning Korean. I mentioned in previous post that I have been over 30 years experience in Korean culture. I also did not learn the language until 4 years ago and I am still learning today. Although I am not a Linguistic I realized the Asian language is almost the opposite structure of the Western languages. It easier for me to learn German than Korean.

I also instructed English classes in a group and private tutoring. My wife who is also Korean, taught as well. The problem that we seen was the only exposure they had to the English was the allocated time. We usually averaged 2 hours a week per student. They also may have recieved an additional 3-4 hours in the classroom at school. What were they doing for the other 160+ hours? They were commuinicating in their native language. In several other countries that have successfully adopted English as their 2nd and in some cases their primary language they have immersed themselves in the English language. I believe this has to be an individual decision that has to be a committment one is willing to make.

One of my classmates while studying Korean at KyongBuk was in Korea on a working Visa. He was from Germany and was having a difficult time learning the language. He asked me one day how I was able to learn it. I advised him if he really wanted to gain any proficiency he had to also immerse himself beyond the 6 hours per week in class. He had to actually live the culture instead of being a tourist.

A comparsion could be made to the Korean language Translators who graduate from one of the best language institutes in the world. If they have no prior exposure to Korean when they attend the US Governments school it is highly unlikely they will be able to have a very basic understanding of the language after graduation. They can read Hangul; however to speak or comprehend takes a few years.

I have always been impressed with Hangul and some of the other King SeJongs creations. A alpahbet that was created in the 1400's and still unchanged today. The American kids attending school there can easily sound the characters. The only problem is they are unable to comprehend what it means though; however, this is the foundation to learning Korean.

Korea also made an egregious error when they decided to recruit English language teachers. The only requirement that I recall was for the Teacher to have a 4 year degree. This degree could have been mail order or basket weaving. They also discriminate(d) against other Korean's who have a very good command of the english language. They do this by paying lower than average wages. I did not enjoy teaching english; however, I had a difficult time saying no to the mother's. OTH ,I was preferrred over my wife who really enjoyed teaching and better at teaching english than I was. I have also heard from other Korean/Americans similiar reports.

I hope this gave a little insight on the problems with learning a foreign language that is very diverse from your native tongue

Not having seen EddieV's posting before I posted note the similiarties in the responses; committment. I also agree with the Sesame Street series. The majority of the Koreans who are proficient in English also learned the same way.

BTW; Forget "Perfect English" I do not believe it exist. Rather focus on communicating. You have to remember most Western countries are melting pots for ethnic groups.

That's a good point. There is no such thing as "perfect English", IMO as well. 그렇게 따지면 미국 영어 는 다 "틀린 영어" 에요.

My Korean, ex-KATUSA friend (my co-worker, actually) says just concentrate on not confusing R's & L's...and P's & F's.

Hiker, not seeing my post and both of us mentioning the German language in our posts...what a coincidence.

I don't have much new to add to the above posts, other than my own prior language learning experiences.

There is no substitute for practice through exposure and immersion. I find confidence also plays an important role in achieving fluency. I'm not a natural language learner. Some people that I know can pick up a language with relative ease, even without formalized training, but that's never applied to me. For myself, I've always tried to acquire a certain comfort level with a language. I do this by deconstructing the language to it's basic grammar. For me, once I understand the grammar, I have alot more confidence in using the language actively. However, other people may find learning other aspects of language may give them the confidence that will make them feel comfortable with its use, I suppose.

I attended an international school where 60% of the students were Japanese. The curriculum was in english. Yet, the majority of Japanese students wouldn't speak or communicate in english outside the classroom, and even in the classes, they would not participate enthusiastically. The reason for this, I fealt, was they were so afraid of making mistakes with english that they just took no initiative in using it. As a result, they never built up an active fluency in english. One can not be afraid to use a language, however imperfectly. It's just part of the learning process.

My 2 coppers worth

I took the time to learn German and like what was mentioned if you dont live it you wont learn it at the same time I discovered another part/problem. The English language is the only language that is neutral - meaning all other languages are gender based. That might add a bit to the confusion making it more difficult to learn.
again just my 2 coppers worth.

Biscayne
Phantom Keeper

Thanks for everyone !

[One can not be afraid to use a language, however imperfectly. It's just part of the learning process.]
especially, I think this is very important such as above writings.

Shsong; Your brother dropped in to my office on Monday and I gave him the English book I got for you. Find a way to get it from him. The posts above are all good. I think it takes studying that book, and every day talking with someone in English. We require nouns and pronouns in each sentence, and a lot of "A's" and "THE's" which is undoubtedly very difficult. Korean sentence structure is easier. The "R", "L" "P" "B" "F" and "H" practice is tough, but necessary for good conversation. You have come a long way, and don't expect to be perfect. Write it, say it and take whatever criticism you get. It is working for you. You will notice improvement in a few weeks. The Paltalk site I gave you in my last email is great for reading, and it is free!

Thank you. JOE !
I confirmed it. again thank you.
By the way, Do he really well in English ?
I don't believe that.