Being proficient in English brings many advantages in various aspects of life. Since most knowledge and information are often written in English, being good at it opens up numerous avenues for obtaining information. International university lectures are mostly conducted in English, and many universities offer online courses, so being proficient in English provides more opportunities compared to those who aren’t.
While English was once just a language used in Britain, its status changed when it was designated as the global lingua franca. In order to interact and communicate with people worldwide, being proficient in English has become crucial. Even if one plans to stay only domestically, there are often situations where communication with foreign buyers or partners in English is common, depending on the department or company.
“English: Essential for Survival in Korea”
Ultimately, being able to speak English has become essential for survival in Korea as well. Moreover, mastering English from a young age can make life much easier. It can lead to good grades in middle and high school, and doing well in college entrance exams can secure advantageous positions.
Even after graduating from college, most companies require certified English proficiency, so being good at English provides a significant advantage over those who aren’t.
“The Disadvantageous Environment for Learning English in South Korea”
The best way to learn English is to live in an English-speaking country. Living and studying in a country where English is used daily would be most advantageous. However, there aren’t many households that can afford to send their children to study abroad.
Unfortunately, South Korea is a country where English is not used in everyday life. As a result, learning English often requires forced effort. Compared to countries where English is used more frequently in daily life, South Korea provides a much less favorable environment for learning English.
“Can Learning English Solely in Korea Lead to Proficiency?”
Nevertheless, despite the challenges, it is possible to achieve proficiency in English through studying solely in Korea. However, it requires much more effort compared to studying and living in English-speaking countries.
The book “I Didn’t Study English” by Lee Kanghyun depicts the journey of studying English rigorously in Korea until reaching a level where using English no longer causes stress.
“From a Youth Who Couldn’t Speak English to Feeling Comfortable with It…”
The author began studying English in a somewhat challenging way, starting from his military service, based on the method introduced in Dr. Jeong Chanyong’s book “Never Study English.” He gradually executed steps one through five, overcoming English.
From studying late into the night after military duty to mastering the basics of English grammar through the then relatively unknown English grammar book “Grammar in Use,” the author details his experiences.
Through the author’s efforts, he eventually transferred to the English Literature Department at Sungkyunkwan University and concluded his career by working with native English speakers, using English for work.
“A Book Depicting the Story of a Youth Who Studied English Tenaciously”
The title of the book can be considered paradoxical. Although titled “I Didn’t Study English,” the author demonstrates a relentless effort in studying English.
In an environment where English exposure is minimal, the author’s determination to expose himself to English, such as changing his internet homepage to English and prioritizing English over Korean in his thoughts, is evident.
Following Dr. Jeong Chanyong’s method, which was considered a failure at the time, the author’s persistence and spirit of challenge in successfully studying English using that method can be observed.
“An Old-Fashioned Study Method Now…”
The study method introduced in the book may seem outdated by today’s standards. However, considering the vast difference between the English education environments of the 2000s and 2024, the author managed to overcome English by staying slightly ahead of the times with his method.
While there may be no need to follow the exact methods described in the book, there are now many more effective methods available for learning English. Nevertheless, what readers can indirectly learn is the perseverance to pursue a goal relentlessly until the end.
“I Didn’t Study English”
- Author: Lee Kanghyun
- Publication Date: September 11, 2017
- ISBN: 979-11-961107-X-X (05000)
- Available at Yes24: http://app.ac/Vj6RtDa73