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10 Comments

  1. Monica Schnee
    November 7, 2016 @ 03:12

    I can relate so much! I am here in a similar predicament wishing I could understand it all – specially when I observed the demonstration and people were talking to me. These languages are hard – the decoding is fine, it is the speaking that is difficult and yes, you are correct – I wish we had the time.
    Loved your entry! Be well and anyon from Seoul. Monica

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 13, 2016 @ 08:33

      Thank you, Monica.

      Reply

  2. Paula Agins
    November 7, 2016 @ 04:58

    Um, I would be so lost!! Something you can relate to…..1/2 day, then parent teacher conferences and a PD day Tuesday…….and holiday Friday. Lots of learning this week. Oh, and the election!!! Take care!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 13, 2016 @ 08:34

      I’ll be working on Thanksgiving and Christmas here – no holidays until the lunar new year in January!

      Reply

  3. ellen (kathy's neighbor!)
    November 7, 2016 @ 06:16

    When I visited Korea I learned to say hello and thank you. When I tried to learn “goodbye” I discovered there were many: a goodbye if I’m leaving and you are staying, a goodbye if you are leaving and I am staying, a goodbye for we are leaving and going separate ways………I quickly decided to give up but remain proud of my small achievements of hello’s and thank you’s !!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 13, 2016 @ 08:35

      Yes, those small achievements are a big deal!

      Reply

  4. Lori
    November 7, 2016 @ 06:55

    I’m sure you are going to be missing PD in English today, Tim! Keep up the inspiring work……I know you’ll be successful!!!

    Reply

  5. Marina
    November 7, 2016 @ 16:27

    You have explained the nuances of learning a language so well! Even though I have not heard Vietnamese, I get a good idea of what you are talking about. I have been facing somewhat similar challenges of trying to pick up Kannada (I have not gone about it as systematically as you though!) which is a language from the south of India, being from the east of India and not having words I can relate to, and having consonants that are almost impossible to sound out for me!

    Reply

  6. LInda A Wight
    November 7, 2016 @ 20:32

    Sounds very difficult. I do not think I would able to learn this language. Glad you were able to converse with the maid. Good luck Tim.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 13, 2016 @ 08:36

      Thank you, Linda.

      Reply

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