안녕하세요! I’m trying to translate a book to help me learn but I find it really hard finding the definitions of the individual words.. do you know the best way to study using lyrics or a book? 감사합니다!!!
안녕하세요! So, here’s where I think you’re having some difficulty: (this will be long, so bear with me)
Don’t go through Korean translating everything. Of course, if you don’t know a word, you should look it up. But I would say the most effective way of learning / reading through something that is in Korean (or your target language for other language learners), is to buy a dictionary in that language and your native language (i.e. English to Korean Dictionary and vice versa). I have one and I use it religiously.
I’m a very big reader (both Korean and English books). Something my dad taught me when I was little, was when you come across a word you don’t know - write it down and look it up in a dictionary. Then keep that word in a book or on a page and repeat it - even use it in your own sentences.
This can be tricky, however, if you don’t know much vocabulary. I would say possibly the reason you’re having a lot of difficulties, is because it might be too advanced for you. NOW!! That’s not a stab at you!! I’m saying this because sometimes, I too, bite off more than I can chew. It’s wonderful to challenge yourself when it comes to things like books / songs / poems - what have you - in your target language. But I would caution pushing yourself too hard; you will become discouraged easily, hit a plateau, and not want to study Korean.
Think of it this way: Would you give a two-year-old War and Peace?
1. Get books more at your level / challenging for your level:
~ if you’re at a beginner level, you can get children books or short stories ~ if you’re intermediate, read lengthier stories but not full-length novels ~ if you’re advanced, then go for more heavy reading materials
~ it can be difficult to understand what you’re reading if you don’t have a strong foundation of vocabulary - it’s literally the key to every language
~ Sticky notes, Korean journal, anything! Write it down, look it up, try to use it
4. LAST but MOST important - Don’t use a translator!
~ invest in a Korean to English Dictionary; the examples are better, the translations are more accurate, and it keeps you away from the convenience of a generated translator. As much as Naver has saved my life, you can’t learn Korean from translating everything. Even if you come across grammar that you’re unfamiliar with, you can go to” KoreanWikiProject, or see if TTMIK / howtostudykorean has posted anything about it - then practice it.
*****You can challenge yourself!!! PLEASE don’t think I’m telling you to stay in your comfort zone. If you don’t challenge yourself, you will never get better. However, if you push yourself too hard, again it can become discouraging for you! Trust me; I’ve been there!!*****
When Jiyeon gave me the 셰익스피어 playbook, she asked if it was too advanced for me - because I was a beginner at the time. I knew it was, but I kept it so that when I got to an advanced level, I could read it. You can’t get anything out of something you don’t understand. But I really hope that this helped you and you find the answer you’re looking for! As always, if you have any more questions, I will be more than happy to answer them to the best of my ability! Happy Learning :)
