Learning the Language

Last week I was extremely productive. I became an official alien, I opened a bank account, I got a multi-entry visa, I did a wire transfer, learned Korean and caught up all my work. I feel so much better.

I was an unofficial alien since my arrival. I had to have a visa to get into the coutry, and because I'm employed, I needed an id card. I had to visit the immigration office to apply, leave them my passport, wait 10 days and then go back to pick it all up. I needed my id card to get the bank account, get paid and get my multi-entry visa. The visa I got in Vancouver was for one entry. So if I want to do any travelling in the area, I need to get another permit. At least all the stuff is done though. The process was not too bad compared to getting a Canadian Passport or getting some of the things Brendan Baker needs in the UK .

Learning Korean was quite easy. And by learning I mean learning the alphabet. I can now read signs and stuff, I just don't know what a lot of the words mean. However Korean, or Hangeul, is a young language. Many of the words are modelled after english pronunciation. For example computer is cam-pu-ta. Guitar is gi-ta. Town is ta-un. Since I learned that helpful tidbit of indformation, if a Korean dosen't know what I am talking about through my excellent miming skills, then I just break down the syllables and get rid of the l's. Done.

The alphabet was easy to learn. Its about memorizing the letters and then understanding how sounds are put together. I bought a book called "How to learn the Korean language structure in 40 minutes". It was just that. After more studying I can advance to another book that will help with vocabulary.

The funny thing about going to a foreign country for me is that I have tried to use words in other forign languages that I know. I have used "oui" and "et". I tried to buy "huevos" one day. I tried to order "agua" also.

All in all, I can get by with what I know already. Thank you, I'm sorry, come here, hello and goodbye, yes, no, not me, how much, some food items, some numbers and prices. I can even pick out words when I hear Koreans talking.