monnroo

[monnroo]

I’ll be watching media in languages I know really well and I’ll be like :/ “I’m so dumb; I don’t understand anything.” And then I’ll watch something in a language I know very little of and I will be like “wow, I am a language genius; I understand so much!” And I honestly think it’s because when you’re a beginner and you recognize one word, you feel like you’re so accomplished, but once you’re advanced and don’t understand one word, you’re an idiot.

[monnroo]

I’m on a roll today, so I bring you, my personal recommendations for Korean language learning! Most of the stuff/links here are what I used myself, and for me, it’s quality over quantity. (Though quantity over quality comes to when you actually have to learn it, in which, repetition is key, etc.)

So, here we go! And yes, all of them are free!

First of all, learn hangeul. 

90daykorean (a hangeul pdf)

busyatom (hangeul-learning yt playlist!)

how to practice your hangeul/kana (on my wordpress blog)

personally, I forgot how I learned or what site I used, but I think reading kpop idol’s tweets (or fanart artists’ twitter) helped a lot. So once you get a gist of how to read hangeul, just try your hands (or eyes?) on reading the simple tweets! It doesn’t matter if you can’t understand most of it yet, but learning the alphabet will help you a lot in the long run. ^^

Romanizations don’t always sound the same with the Korean pronunciation when you read it, so hangeul is the answer, alright? 

if you have any recommendations, feel free to tell me!

Next, my favourite, grammar. Most of these are downloadable PDF files.

TTMIK lessons (it seems intimidating at first but trust me, you won’t know unless you try! the lessons are bite-sized and straight to the point and i find them very helpful! also, i have the full pdf until level 8, so if you guys want me to upload it in bulks then do tell me~)

Monash University textbooks (book 1, book 2). //my fave!!! (the actual website is down, so the download links are mine, for now.)

Korean From Zero! (you can also learn hangeul in this pdf)

I’m not a fan of online lessons but you can try koreanclass101!

I used to hoard almost EVERY online pdf for language-learning, but when I think again, “when the hell am I going to use these?!”, so yeah, stick with quality over quantity ;)

Aha, vocabulary! 

LearnWithOliver (flashcards, helpful flashcards, neat flashcards that are not in flashcards form. haha.)

Memrise

Anki (I don’t use this but it might be helpful for you!)

Naver Dictionary 

Google Translate (though a full sentence translation is usually bullshoot and I don’t recommend it, the pronunciation function and one word translation are very helpful.)

My method: Learn a grammar lesson from any of the pdf files, make my own notes, then use post-its/sticky-notes for new verbs and put it where I’ll see them. 

You can also learn from hearing a vocab multiple times in K-pop songs/K-variety shows. You guys know what ‘사랑’ means, right? ;)

Videos to aid your learning (though I prefer reading than watching, but these are the ones I really recommend!)

BusyAtom (also has hangeul lessons huhu.)

TTMIK (see how much I love them)

GO! Billy Korean

Websites/Blogs you gotta check out, for language exercises and helpful tips!

ohmykorean (omg i love this, though you have to have a firm grasp of hangeul first and bits of vocab here and there.)

90daykorean

Master3Languages

learn-hangul

TTMIK also have free workbooks for the first few levels. 

Not to forget, motivational/useful tips posts!

Language hacking tips on fluentin3months

10 effective language learning strategies

10-ways to language learning success

not improving? wrong. 

25 ways to stop feeling overworked and overwhelmed (because I think this is important as well)

Also, my personal language-learning methods: 

When studying, I read the whole grammar lesson, try to understand it, then write down the notes word by word as I pronounce the vocabularies along the way. I understand better after making notes as I process the lesson in my brain. (well, since I’m a read-write learner hehe.)

I use Memrise for vocab. 

I read Korean manhwa raws (manga, but Korean version. you can google these.)

I try to form my own sentences like, “She has a cat”, “I have three brothers”, since I don’t have any language-learning partners (sadlyfe) but if you’d like to, let’s be friends and practice together!! 

Always, always pick up bits and pieces from songs and k-variety shows. (2d1n gives me lyfe!!) 

Scheduling language-learning into your life is the way to go! Even if it’s as short as 30mins a day or 2hours full of concentration, as long  as you do it continuously. There will be days when you think you can’t make it, so it’s fine to take a break once in a while! 

Last but not least, my personal tips/motivation: 

Language-learning doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s something you should enjoy! I remember stumbling over the pronunciation of words like ‘후회할‘ and ‘되‘ yesterday and I laughed at myself, but it was fun! So take things one step at a time, okay?

“Don’t learn too fast for the sake of finishing the textbook.” 

If you think you’re slower than everyone else at reading hangeul or even remembering grammar, don’t worry. You’re NOT dumb nor slow, you’re a wonderful human being! Even trying to memorize one letter/verb a day shows that you’re working hard on it, and I’m proud of you! Good things come to those who work hard! ♡

Always remember to pick yourself up again. Take your time, and believe in yourself! If you really want it, go and get it! You can do it!!!

Even a session of Memrise course a day goes a longgg way, you know. ;)

Shia LaBeouf’s “JUST DO IT” because we all need it. 

I’ve been learning Korean on and off for almost three years (wow even i cannot believe) and although it’s hard, I’m getting there. It’s never too late or too early to start what you love, you know. It’s your life, so you decide whatever you want to!!!

Also, instead of looking for more resources and motivation, I think you should really start on opening that textbook/pdf/memrise course, you know. ;) Eheheh. 

I remember the moment I read a whole tweet of an idol (Red of M.Pire, I doubt you guys even know him aha) and actually understood it. The joy!! brought tears!! to my eyes!!! 

If you have anything else to add, then please feel free to do so! You can also drop me a message if there’s anything you’d like to know, or if I’m missing something, etc. I can also do a Japanese resources masterpost (lol nadia pls) if someone asks for it. But anyway, hope this post has been helpful, even if it helps just one person! 

Stay positive yall, and remember, if you can dream it, you can do it!!! Thank you so much for reading my first masterpost, byeom~!

[monnroo]

Monsta X - To Watch List

Due to the increase of Monbebes’ from MonstaX latest comeback I thought I’d compile a list of things you should all watch. 

1. NO.MERCY 

This is where it all started, the survival show that formed the group. Even though you know how it ends up, bring a box of tissues and put your seat belt on. 

A playlist with all the episodes - they are in order and have subtitles. 

2. DeokspatchX 

This is their first little variety show. It’s fun to watch, you’ll laugh and you get to watch the members become more comfortable with one another. 

A playlist with all the episodes - they are in order and have subtitles.

3. DeokspatchX²

This is ‘season 2′ of their own little variety show. They’re all adorable. 

A playlist with all the episodes - they are in order and have subtitles.

4. Right Now! 

Their first very own variety show! It’s fun to watch, you will have most likely seen gifs, clips and other screen shots from these episodes. 

A playlist with all the episodes - they are in order and have subtitles.

5. Monsta X-Ray 

This is a more recent broadcast that can be watched on V App. While this is funny like all their other things, it has a more ‘real’ side to it. There are sad moments, funny moments, and cute moments that make you curl into your chair a smile to yourself.  

All the videos - each one has subtitles (more than just English) 

6. No Exit Broadcast 

Yup another one! This is still currently airing at the time that I am making this post. What can I say, part of the reason I like them is that they let the more ‘real’ side of themselves be shown to us and this program just keeps up with that theme. 

All the videos - each one has subtitles (more than just English) 

7. CH.MX 

This is a ongoing series of videos ranging from 3 minutes to 30 minutes. They are clips from special days, behind the scenes, and other day to day things that they do. 

All the videos - each one has subtitles (more than just English)

8. Special 

These are just other videos that you should definitely see. 

Monsta X on My Kiss…just because they are smooth AF. [X]

Monsta X on Amigo TV… they just know how to have fun and make you laugh. [X]

9. Other 

Take note that Shownu is a regular member of Lipstick Prince and Lipstick Prince 2. 

On top of those mention there are always the regular appearances on things like Weekly Idol, After School Club + Idol Battle Likes,  New Yang Nam Show etc. 

{If you are watching any of the videos in the first 4 playlists consider clicking the ‘auto-translate’ function on your desktop in order to get subtitles in a different language.}

Happy Viewing!  ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶

[monnroo]

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A post shared by Sumo🌈, Ayumi, Tonka,Mochi,&Zuko🌈 (@3bulldogges)

[monnroo]

it’s the Fifth Element song that almost nobody can actually fucking, like you’re not really supposed to be able to sing from alto –> high F above high C

just

even if you know nothing about music this is fucking iMPRESSIVE???

[monnroo]

my kitty lou loves being a sweet French gal

[monnroo]

Memrise

Finnish textbook PDFs

Finnish Words

Uusi Kielemme

Venla.info

UUNO

Hei Finland

Oneness City, Finland

The Finnish Teacher

Random Finnish Lesson

Taste of Finnish

Tavataan Taas!

Ymmärrä Suomea!

Suomea, ole hyvä!

Kotisuomessa

Supisuomea

YKItreenit

Digital Dialects

FinnishPod101

YOUTUBE

In Finnish

Finnish in 3 minutes 

The Dudesons teach Finnish

Learn Finnish with Sulkasiipi: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Laura’s Languages: Finnish 

Kuulostaa Hyvältä

OTHERS

Sanakirja.org (dictionary)

Ilmainen sanakirja (dictionary)

Kielitoimiston sanakirja (dictionary)

Kielitoimiston ohjepankki (spelling and grammar)

Yle Uutiset Selkosuomeksi (news in easy Finnis)

Radio SuomiPop (Finnish pop music station)

Verbix (verb conjugation)

Forvo (pronunciation)

[monnroo]

Is Finnish really that difficult? Can you explain some of the grammar and the toughest (or simplest) things?

Hi! No, Finnish isn’t any harder than any other language, it’s just different. Some reasons why Finnish isn’t that hard:

Finnish is a phonetic language, which means that each letter of the alphabet has only one sound. Because of that you will always know how to pronounce a word when you see it and you will always know how to spell a word when you hear it. 

There are no articles (a, an, the) or genders.

Finnish has 15 noun cases, but they are basically the same thing as the prepositions (in, on, at…) in English, and some of them are hardly used anymore.

The Finnish grammar is very logical and has only few exceptions. Did you know that there are only four irregular verbs in Finnish?

Here are some articles that you might find interesting:

Introduction to Finnish language

Is Finnish a difficult language?

Finnish: An easy language to learn

If you are interested in learning Finnish, I have listed some resources here and you can find more from my Finnish-tag. If you have any questions or request don’t hesitate to send me another message. I hope this helps!

[monnroo]

1. It’s a beautiful, unique, and fascinating language 2. Because Finns will always get super happy and excited when they hear someone is learning their language and will offer to help you learn it 3. Because Finnish is spoken by about five million people, most of whom reside in Finland, but there are also notable Finnish-speaking minorities in Sweden, Norway, Russian, Estonia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. 4. Because Finnish and its Uralic siblings deserve more recognition in the langblr community 5. Because it’s not as hard as people think 6. But not everyone knows that so you get the bragging rights (“What language do you speak?” “Finnish.” “Finnish?! Isn’t that one of the most difficult languages in the world?! Oh my god! You must be so intelligent!”) 6. Because there are plenty of resources to learn Finnish 7. Because Finland is a beautiful country with intriguing history and fascinating culture 8. Because some of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish languages were based on Finnish 9. Because Finnish has the best swearing words and Finnish memes are awesome 10. Because miksi ei?

[monnroo]

Practice Swedish with youtubers

I’ve made a list of popular swedish youtube channels for everyone learning Swedish or if you’re just interested in sweden or for whatever reason you would want to watch a bunch of swedish people talk in front of a camera. not everyone of these are still popular/active today but i hope you can enjoy them anyways. Ha det så kul :D

Lilla bloggen aka William Spetz - https://www.youtube.com/user/lillabloggen

Clara Henry - https://www.youtube.com/user/tahultsbarn

IJustWantToBeCool - https://www.youtube.com/user/IJustWantToBeCool

Malvin Studios - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCza9Tqz0anPQNw5i58gG1MQ

RackartygarnaTV - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQeV40DRDXzxb_tQZtC1bkQ

MonteFjanton, mostly known for their series Felix recenserar - https://www.youtube.com/user/MonteFjanton

Keyyo - https://www.youtube.com/user/VeryCoolNinja

Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time - https://www.youtube.com/user/SwedishMealTime

if anyone has anymore to add, feel free to do so. These are just from the top of my head and there are probably tons of more. 

[monnroo]

Pokémon as a Language Resource

In the newest games (X,Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire), you can play Pokémon in seven different languages and you can choose a new language every time you restart the game.

You can also watch the Pokémon anime in several other languages on the Pokemon.com website.

There are episodes available in thirteen languages, as highlighted above.

Brazilian Portuguese

American English

Danish

Finnish

French

German

Italian

Dutch

Norwegian

Russian

Castilian Spanish

Swedish

Japanese

[monnroo]

English pronunciation: ‘i’ /ɪ/ or ‘ee’ /i:/ sound (example: ‘bitch’ or ‘beach’)

Chris demonstrates the pronunciation of the short vowel /ɪ/ and long vowel /i:/.

/ɪ/ (short)  /i:/ long.

ship /ɪ/ sheep /i:/

this /ɪ/  these /i:/

bin /ɪ/ been /i:/

bitch /ɪ/ beach /i:/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLKz0VPQ-BQ

[monnroo]

Linguti - The new language learning platform which is fun and effective.

[monnroo]

Learning swedish-A guide to swedish music

Listening to music must be one of the best ways to learn a language. The perks of learning swedish? The swedish music industry is huge for such a small language. I will list a few of my favorites in this post.

Veronica Maggio-she sings mostly about anxiety and being heartbroken. Heartwrenching lyrics and catchy melodies. Satan i gatan, Jag kommer, Välkommen in.

Norlie&kkv- Swedish duo. Mostly hip hop but they are also influenced by pop, house and electro. Ingen annan rör mig som du, Din idiot.

Håkan Hellström- Indiepop and rock. He sings about love, loneliness and sadness. His lyrics are amazing and have made him very popular. Valborg, Det kommer aldrig att va över för mig, Din tid kommer.

Laleh- Swedish/Iranian. Sings in both swedish and english. Very catchy and happy songs. Bara få va mig själv, Goliat.

Melissa Horn- Most of her songs are a little melancholic. She sings a lot about anxiety and broken love. Jag saknar dig mindre och mindre, De två årstiderna.

Some other great songs not worth a whole presentation though ;)

Din soldat, Gå mot rött, Jag gråter bara i regnet, Lyckligare nu, Knäpper mina fingrar, Utan dina andetag, Du swipa höger.

I hope that these artists are available on spotify in your country otherwise you will find them all on youtube.

Happy listening and learning!

[monnroo]

Hej! Quick question, what was your first step to learning a new language? I’m trying to learn svenska and I’ve downloaded so many apps to help, but I want to better organize myself a bit.

hej! my first step is to learn and familiarise myself with the alphabet’s pronunciation (for swedish one, check this link out) and personally, pronunciation is always my no.1 priority when it comes to learning a language ♡ 

and don’t forget to immerse yourself into swedish! listening to swedish songs, reading swedish books, and watching swedish youtubers help a lot (°◡°♡)

[monnroo]

BaBa Dum! A Fun Vocabulary Game

Vocabulary can be a difficult aspect of learning any language. There are so many different words to know and it’s hard to know words for seemingly random items. That is where BaBa Dum is a great resource!

BaBa Dum is a game based learning website where you have several different options to play with. The options include:

Choosing Picture from Word

Choosing Word from Picture

Choosing Picture from Sound

Typing Word from Picture

And a mixture of everything!

Obviously there are several options open for whatever method suits you.

Right now, BaBa Dum has a fairly extensive language list available, including:

British English

American English

Chinese

French

German

Italian

Greek

Portuguese

Japanese

Lithuanian

Polish

Russian

Spanish

Swedish

It also has a Japanese Kana learning game!

Overall, this website seems to be very useful, and is definitely worth checking out!

[monnroo]

Quick reminder, especially for you younger undergrads: Discipline is a skill, not a character trait. And just like any skill, it can be practiced and improved upon incrementally. Try not to get discouraged if you have a day, or multiple days, where you are less disciplined than you would like or need to be. Don’t quit. Don’t spend the next week binging Netflix because you think it’s a hopeless endeavour. Just get up the next day and try again. Each day you try is more practice, and each day you practice, you’ll get a little bit better, and that continual improvement will pay dividends in the long run.

Keep at it.