When we learn a language, we should also learn the cultures and lifestyles of this country. To what extent do you agree or disagree? |
Mastering English! It would be the most Korean people's dream. I, however, think that many people are not on the right track to reach their dreams. Then, what would be the best way in learning a new language? My solution : 'Visit and live at aleast one year to understand its cultures and lifestyel.'
Without understanding its native people's way of thinking, lifestyle, and culture, learning a new tongue could be a waste of time and bring lots of disappointment about yourself. Here is a good example. Compared with other countries, Korean people spend a great deal of time and efforts on having a good command of English. However, unlike most people's expectation, it is rare to find people who can communicate with native English speakers. This is because they focus on memorizing its grammer and word rather than its cultures and people. In contrast, people who had a chance to live in English speaking countries, mose people feel comfortable in having a conversation with English natives. This result shows that a language is mixed up with local dwellers' life. That's why the efforts to experience thay they eat, where they live, what activities they enjoy, or that their way of thinking is much more imfortant factors thant to memorize a 33,000 word book.
In addition, if you want to master a new language, it is highly recommended to be assimilated into its cultures. 'Friends', a famous American sitcom, would be a good instnace to explain my opinion. Even if you, non English speaker, have a higher TOEFL score than American students, you don't see why your English friends make a laugh while watching it. This is because you are not accustomed to their cultures. Slang word would be another example. If you are not included into a cultural group using theri own slang terms, there is no way to understand them.
To sum up, if you just want to have a good English score, it would be effective to memorize words and grammer. However, it would be a bicycle with one pedal. If you want to master a new language, spends more time on experiencing its cultures and lifestyles. |