Reply To: What was the hardest part of learning the Korean language?

[Annisa Pratamasari]

For me, there are several factors…

The grammar is hard because there is no definite rule. Mostly based on ‘neukkim’… Comparatively, I learnt Japanese for years, though their grammar is arguably more complex, there are definite rules for every grammar structure, and even conjugation words.

There’s also ‘expectation of perfection’ and ‘level of immersion.’ Koreans somehow expect us to be PERFECT in speaking, writing, and everything. In addition, we are expected to do everything like a native Korean. For example, my friends who write their thesis in Korean told me that their writings are often criticized for not ‘sounding’ Korean enough (a friend even had a Korean re-writing her thesis to sound more Korean, which was depressing for her). They’re all practically fluent in Korean, though.