Learning the local language

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  With different grammar rules, sentence structures and sounds, the Korean language of Hangul is challenging to grasp, but learning it can help adjust to the local culture.

The two-hour introductory class offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center here provides the basics of understanding and using Hangul to both service members and civilians.

"Koreans really appreciate when you speak their own language to them," said Kim Son-kyong, who has taught classes at the AFRC since 2003. "Not many Koreans off base have the chance to meet Americans, so when they see you make that effort, they think better of your country."

Students in the class learn how to pronounce the language's 14 basic consonants and 10 vowels before learning about the double and compound letters for a total of 40.

Fortunately, there is only one symbol for each letter -- there are no lower case letters. They also learn basic phrases including "Thank you," "Hello, how are you?" and "Can I get a discount?"

Son-kyong said two major differences between the languages are how Hangul requires consonants to be followed by vowel sounds and which syllables in a word the speaker emphasizes.

Students attend the class for a variety of reasons -- for one retired chief, it was an overdue opportunity after being married to a Korean woman for more than 20 years.

"Part of it was laziness, but I'm sure she also didn't want me knowing what she was saying," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Bill Clark, who moved back to Korea last year with his wife to take care of her mother. "I finally decided to take a class because my 3-year-old nephew asked why I was pronouncing things wrong.

"I've learned the basics here and I plan to take more classes. I'm very independent and don't want to rely on my wife to get around for the years we'll be here."

One option for servicemembers who wish for a more in-depth understanding of Hangul is to take the two-month course offered through the University of Maryland University College, which can be reached at 782-4758.

Anyone who would like to attend the next introductory course on March 7 at 2 p.m. can sign up by calling the AFRC at 782-5644 or visiting Bldg. 755, Room 127.

"Even knowing simple phrases will help you communicate and make your time here more fun," said Son-kyong.

Quick translations:
Thank you: Kam sa ham ni da
Hello, how are you?: An nyeong ha se yo
Yes: ne
No: A niyo