A language learners’ forum

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The only source I can offer you is Talk to Me in Korean: http://www.talktomeinkorean.com

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MacGyver wrote:I will look into Koreanclass101, thanks. I previously didn't bother with it as I thought that (probably incorrectly) Hyunwoo Sun worked there before he started ttmik, and therefore ttmik would be superior.

He presented the first season of their Advanced Audio Blogs when he was at university, I don't know if he was involved of any of the lessons. I completed all the TTMIK grammar lessons before I even looked at KC101, so I may be biased, but I think TTMIK is far better. The KC101 Advanced Audio Blogs are the only things I've used from their site, but from what I've listened to so far they're more Lower Intermediate Audio Blogs, so it's easy listening. TTMIK's IYAGI is more challenging, but if you've completed their grammar lessons you should understand most of it well.

When you watch dramas, do you watch with subs? In the past year or so, dramas on Viki have started being subbed in Korean, which I find really helpful in understanding what the characters are saying (there was a discussion recently about whether to watch tv with subs). There are various ways this could be used to study, such as rewatching episodes (watch first with English subs, then Korean, then no subs) or using Subs2SRS. Being a long-time lurker, I assume you know about Anki - the way you study your sentences sounds really time-consuming, I think it would be more efficient (and maybe less boring?) to use SRS.

Have you tried language exchanges or a language tutor? If you want to work on your speaking skills I'd say that would be the place to start.

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Looks like you went to the same summer school I went to in 2014 Were you there in 2015/2016 or in 2014/2015? We might have run into each other (I was in level 5a).

I think you're right on track with the things you are doing now. I think what helped me the most with listening and speaking was
1. extensive drama watching
2. shadowing audio sentences through Anki + repeating random sentences found on the internet which contained the TOPIK intermediate vocabulary
3. writing subtitles to dramas
4. talking to language exchange partners (also some hellotalk chatting)
5. listening to podcasts and radio shows
6. going to Korea for language immersion
7. reading, reading, reading (from children's books to novels, also non-fiction...)

If you're looking for more structure and reassurance, you might want to study and take a TOPIK exam. I think this really focused my efforts and helped me to stick to Korean, because I had a clear goal of passing TOPIK level 4 (and later levels 5/6).

Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions

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MacGyver wrote:Just on Hellotalk - I am not familiar with how Koreans speak. Do they usually call you cute or handsome? Is that just the way they talk?

I wonder... I had the random Ajumma on the street tell me they thought I was 예뻐요and two Ajusshis wanted to marry me off to a Korean (but when I jokingly asked them to introduce me to someone they did not seems to think it was such a good idea after all ). I think Koreans can be more expressive about looks in general. But then, when I used hellotalk, I also thought there were a lot of curious people who were just looking to flirt and quite a few weird people as well...

druckfehler wrote:I think Koreans can be more expressive about looks in general.

Within minutes of meeting my employer in Korea, she commented (in a positive way) about my appearance.

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