Challenge to the Self: Learn New Languages

From out of the blue, I decided to challenge myself to learn a language - -- or the basics to say the least. I guess what spurred this was the idea that it has been a long time since I last pushed my brain to it's insane limits. Since September 2010 was  the last I've seen of serious books, I decided to read once again and took to the site where it allows me to connect directly with Native speakers for some friendly coaching. Livemocha

First up, Since I have had the chance to do freelance English tutoring on a couple of Korean students before, I opted to enroll in the Korean 101 course. The cards were helpful enough as they come with audio. While it was a warm welcome for a totally clueless learner like me,  I found myself overwhelmed. The OC in me tells me that  there is just something more to learning a language by just hear and speak. To understand it better, one has to learn how to write it. That was my OC self talking, I thought.

The good thing about Livemocha is that it immediately exposes you to handy streetsmart lines. As you begin submitting you online samplers after each lesson, you get to have a handful of native speakers to comment on your work. I especially enjoyed the comment part because it always felt like having a lot of caring mentors.

 I am also given the chance to help others - - through submissions by others wanting to learn English.  Of course, each member gets to earn points for learning and helping. All your stats are seen on your frontpage.


Obviously, I am getting the hang of this learning. That's why my page shows the following course " Japanese... Spanish... korean..."
I know. I know. Ambitious is the word. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to step out of my barriers and learn. One word at a time.