I've traveled in several European countries without feeling a strong compulsion to learn the various languages. I think it's because those languages are Latin based, like English and written in the same alphabet as English. This gives me the illusion, I think, that I can understand a little of these languages. I can't, of course, but I'm comfortable with the illusion.
But next year I'm traveling to South Korea, and that language seems so different that I feel that I need to learn a little of it before I go. I have 52 weeks and my goal is to learn a phrase a week. Spoken, not written. Although I love to see the Korean language written out I can't delude myself into thinking I could ever master that.
So far I have learned An Young Ha Sai Yo? How are you?; Gwen Chen Ah Yo. You're welcome or it;s ok; and I'm working on Kham Sa Ham Nee Da, Thank you. Sadly, when I say these phrases they don't sound the same as when our Korean pastor says them. Maybe I'll sound better in 52 weeks.
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