Next up…

People are sometimes impressed that I speak Chinese and Korean. But they really shouldn’t be. If anyone asks me if I’m fluent, I answer honestly, “By no means. Not even close.” “Fluent” is a subjective word, but I can be sure that it doesn’t apply to me in either language. The only language in which I’m fluent is English.

Fluency can take into account a lot of factors, but it’s generally about the ability to communicate (both sending and receiving) competently in a language across a broad range of subjects at a reasonably educated level.  So when someone says “I took Chinese in college,” I know that chances are they may speak a bit of it, but they’re not fluent. If they say “I lived in China for 10 years,” I think they’re much closer.

So here I am. I speak Korean and Chinese, but I’m by no means fluent. I can get around in both countries (and have), but I haven’t mastered that broad range, and I’m much better at receiving than sending, and not even that good at that.

A month or two ago, I was registering my car with a young Staff Sergeant in the registration office when I told her what I did and how long I’d been in Korea. Of course she asked, “so you’re fluent in Korean?” My answer was “much to my shame, no.” And she said, “well, that’s disappointing.” And she was so right.  I’ve lived in Korea over twenty years. I’ve been married to a Korean woman for 35. I went to school for over a year to learn Korean. And I’m merely passable in a pinch.

I’m reminded though about the smokers’ joke, “quitting’s easy, I’ve done it hundreds of times.” And I have. Not smoking. I never really smoked. But how about guitar? If I’d stuck with guitar any one of the multiple times I tried, I’d probably be pretty good by now. There are a lot of other things like that I’m sure. But this year seems different.

I’ve been encouraged by a few things lately. I resolved to blog daily for a year, and I passed that in June. After a few years shooting for 5,000 km riding a year, I’m shooting for 5,000 miles this year and I passed 5,000 km earlier this week (I’m at 3,140 miles right now). I’ve topped 600 miles three months in a row now, doing over 640 in July. I set out to lose weight and get healthy and I’ve lost over 30 pounds since February and I’m in the best shape I can ever remember.

I’ve asked “now what?” on this blog before – when I’d reached a year straight of blogging And I think I’ve figured it out. I want to become conversant in Korean. I’m a bit shy of the word “fluent,” but being able to communicate effectively, that’s something I can live with.

I know how to do it. I’ve got access to some of the best tools and materials around. I work with a staff of some of the best teachers on the planet. I live in Korea! And of course, it’s the summer of Bob!

There’s just no excuse.