Reading something in a language is in my humble opinion to really learn a learn a master. Therefore I bought Korean folk tales & Aesop’s Fables as a start.
Reading to Learn
I am a firm believer that reading in the language you are learning will vastly improve your competence in that language. Through reading you see the language being used more naturally than you will ever see it in a language textbook. My advice to any language learner out there is to get reading as soon as you feel confident.
Of course at first reading in Korean will be slow. I am currently reading at a snail’s pace, but speed is not important. It is what you are learning from it that is important. Reading can help you practice everything you need to master a language. Start reading the text out loud and you are practicing your speaking. Focus on the sentence structure and you are learning something about grammar. Not to forget the unknown words you learn as you go along.
Recently I started to feel a bit more confident in my Korean. Because of that it will not surprise you that I started to search online for Korean writings. Something that offers both something new and something relatable. Luckily Talk To Me in Korean had just the thing on offer; an e-book: Korean Folk Tales & Aesop’s Fables. I could buy these books for $ 15.99 at their webshop. (PS: Currently there is a summer action going on so you get 10% discount!)
Aesop’s Fables
Aesop’s Fables
Perhaps Aesop is a name you are unfamiliar with. However, you most likely know his work. Have you ever heard of the story of the The Ants and the Grasshoppers? Or perhaps you are a fan of The Hare and the Tortoise? That is one of many fables Aesop wrote. His work is famous around the world, though slightly altered to modern expectations.
Aesop wrote hundred fables and TTMIK has selected 15 of his more known fables and bundled them together in one of two e-books. However, the first story in the book, the story of The Three Little Pigs is a misattribution as that story is not of Aesop’s hand. It is a tale written, presumably, by the brothers Grimm. Nonetheless, it is nice to read this story as well.
Korean Folk Tales
Korean Folk Tales
The second book is a collection of 15 Korean folk tales. I am very eager to start reading these stories as those who follow me on twitter might have seen. It will not only help me improve my Korean, but it will also help me understand Korean culture a bit more. At least that is what I am hoping for.
The first story is called 젊어지는 샘물 or Youth Giving Spring. It is the story of an elderly couple that lives at the foot of a mountain. They have no children and take care of sick animals. One day is led to a special spring by a bird… If you want to know more, you will have to read the tale yourself, just like me.
When I have spent some time reading these e-books, I will let you know what I think of these ebooks from Talk To Me In Korean.
Do you happen to know any other e-books with short stories that you can highly recommend? Let me know in the comments I would love to find more.
