Learn "living" English

Learn “living” English

 

                                                                                              By Lee Hyon-soo

 

As English is the lingua franca of the world, Korean students work long and hard to learn English. However, many of them fail to become fluent. The main culprit seems to be the way English is taught in Korean schools.

 

Written and spoken English are two different forms of the English language. Written English refers to the language used in written communication, while spoken English is the language used in verbal communication and encompasses all forms of oral expression including formal and informal contexts.

 

With the exception of the so-called foreign-language high schools, English education in Korean schools seems focused on written English primarily through textbooks, while neglecting spoken English, a skill that many Korean teachers are not equipped to teach. As a result, many Korean students end up ill-versed in spoken English.

 

The lack of fluency in spoken English can lead to frustration and anxiety in conversations, meetings, and social interactions conducted in English.

 

Korean students who are not learning spoken English in schools seem to have no choice but to take it upon themselves to master it on their own. To that end, they need to familiarize themselves with the contemporary English actively used by native speakers in everyday life.

 

This form of English is dynamic. It evolves with cultural trends, technological advancements, and societal changes. Hence it is referred to as  “living” English, highlighting its contrast with “dead” or outdated language. Without exposure to this aspect of the language, Korean students risk falling behind in their ability to communicate effectively in real-time situations.

 

Living English encompasses idiomatic expressions, slang, and cultural nuances that are rarely covered in traditional classrooms. Understanding these informal expressions is crucial for building rapport and navigating social situations comfortably.

 

Living English is not limited to spoken English; it also encompasses written English, as long as it reflects current, natural usage. This includes everything from casual text messages and social media posts to more formal yet still contemporary written communication like blogs, articles, or even modern literature.

 

To learn living English, Korean students need more opportunities for immersive learning. This can be achieved through conversational practice with native speakers and consuming English media such as movies, podcasts, and social media. These methods expose Korean students to the natural flow of the language, helping them pick up on pronunciation, intonation, and contextual usage.

 

Furthermore, it is vital to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. For fear of making errors, Korean students tend to refrain from speaking English freely. However, practicing living English in real-life contexts encourages trial and error, which is essential for building confidence and fluency.

 

Learning living English offers benefits that extend beyond linguistic skills. It fosters cultural understanding, enabling Korean students to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. In professional settings, it enhances job prospects, as employers increasingly value candidates who can communicate effectively in English.

 

In conclusion, while English education in schools enables Korean students to make remarkable strides in mastering the technical aspects of the English language, it is time for them to expand their focus to include living English. By doing so, they will not only become fully proficient in English but also gain the confidence needed to navigate the global stage.

 

Indeed, it is a long, rough journey for Korean students to acquire a good command of the English language. But those who persevere in that journey will be rewarded handsomely.

 

The writer (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is a freelance coliumnist and the author of the book “Ramblings of A Wanderer.”

 

NOTE: This essay appeared in the December 12, 2024 issue of The Korea Times.