Korean language

I've been studying Korean language pretty hard. I've got a book, that honestly isn't very well done, that I've been using. The language is less polite than the other books I looked over, more like language that I can use with friends, and in every day life. But it doesn't have anything to listen to, no CD or tape. So recently two friends from the temple have been recording parts of the book for me. Last Sunday, and today. They record it onto a program that I downloaded for free. Then I put it onto iTunes, then put it on my iPod. It's easy and the sound quality if good. I walk to and from the temple and listen to it. Over and over and over .... The two friends that are recording for me are both ladies. One of them wants to study English and is willing to teach me Korean. We've only gotten together once, a couple of days ago. Her name is Hyeon-ni. Sun-mi went also. Sun-mi knows lots and lots of English so Hyeon-mi and I didn't actually speak that much. Hyeon-mi talked through Sun-mi a lot instead of struggling to communicate directly with me. I knew this sort of thing would happen but didn't want to say that Sun-mi shouldn't come because then Hyeon-mi and I wouldn't practice each other's languages that much. I felt that this would be a bit rude. Thinking back, I could have suggested that Hyeon-mi struggle but I didn't. Next time.

Sometimes it seems pretty easy to justify quitting the study of Korean. I'll be here only six months then have no intention of coming back. But I tell myself that at least the six months I have left will be more enjoyable if I can communicate more with people. That was one of the things I enjoyed most in Thailand, talking with people. Both the Asoke people that I lived and worked with, and just people in general. I won't be able to do much conversing with people here, but, well, as much as I can anyway will be worth it. Plus, I enjoy language study. In addition, if I decide to live at a Korean temple when I return to the US, well ....