#learningaforeignlanguage

Textbook

The first thing for me is textbooks. You do not need a certain kind of textbook to study. I know a lot of people learn language by watching dramas, reading songs’ lyrics or listening to daily conversations. However, for me, a very unorganized person, I prefer to have a textbook where lessons are planned out and some exercises for me to practice after each lesson. With that, I can easily follow and not miss anything or be lazy :).

The textbook I use is “Talk to me in Korean”. I am currently using TTMIK level 2. YAY. So happy that I finished level 1. 

The second textbook is “Korean from Zero” by George Trombley and Reed Bullen. This book covers a lot of grammar in one lesson so I tend to use it as an addition or a supplement for my study. For example, if I want to take a break from TTIMK, I will study one lesson in this textbook. A lesson usually takes me 2-3 days. Moreover, things I love about this textbook are:

      -Lots of examples are provided

      -Many conversational dialogues are ranging from polite and informal.

      -Exercises are at the end

      -Vocabulary builder section where new words are broken down to different categories

It is a very good book for those who want to focus on grammar.

And of course, we cannot skip exercises. “Korean from Zero” has their exercises incorporated into their lessons. For TTMIK, there is a separate workbook that you can purchase from their website.

Notebook

Of course. An essential item for me is a notebook. I tend to use 2-3 notebooks for Korean study. One is for TTMIK. One is for “Korean from Zero” and the last one is for miscellaneous things such as songs’ lyrics or new words that I pick up from dramas and variety shows.

I got those notebooks from Morning Glory. I love the store and its cuteness. It carries a lot of cute stationary and you know ... motivation (I am so extra).

Pen

I can’t really choose which pens I like to use because I love buying new pens whenever I go to. I am extremely weird. I can’t resist my attraction to pens, especially colorful pens. I have more than 100 unused pens in my drawer, which is very unnecessary.

My current used pens are Muji pens. Those are the ones I always carry in my pencil case. They are like my on-the-go pens. My friend actually took my dark green pen and never gave it back...

I also use Pentel pencil to write down any definition or side notes. This one has been my favorite one since high school. It is very sturdy and seems very professional in my opinion lol. I have been having this special pen for 2 years.

Post-it Notes

Not necessary but I like to have them with me just to note down any important ideas or grammar points. Sometimes I also use it to write down what I need to do. 

And yah. This is the end of my list.