#99, Duality

duality: an instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts or aspects of something

Korean is a frightening language for me to speak. I am about as fluent as a preschooler and have difficulty communicating with nearly all native citizens (I do excel in ordering food). It scares me because I risk being criticized and must constantly repeat myself to be understood. Honestly it's all quite embarrassing. As a result, my identity changes when I speak Korean. I am much more sheepish and tend to speak in a monotone voice. I try to make myself heard to the person I am speaking to, but no one else. I am noticably more deferential and find myself bowing more too.

When we codeswitch (change between languages), we often take on a new identity. Describe yourself as an English speaker and a Korean speaker. How are the (Koreanyou) and (Englishyou) different?

Optional: Ask your parents if they have noticed anything different about you when you speak Korean and English.  They probably pick up on things that you do not.

-Brenden Lee Teacher

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