languages

The Tongue That Is Korean 

 Abstract
 In my efforts to get a free online Korean course, I was surprised by the huge number of Kenyans subscribed to the courses; mostly Korean, Japanese and Chinese. A language is a vital component in any educational practice. Basically it enables communication. Surprisingly even the dummiest at least are able to understand and master a language. Since independence, Kenya`s education system has been dominated by English language inherited from our British colonizers. Other than that, Kenyans have been interested mostly in trending languages especially French and German that give one an edge while searching for a job. Korean is a new phenomenon. Korean studies come at a time when changes are being made to incorporate mother tongue in learning. Furthermore, the government is also supporting establishment of Chinese as a subject in schools. This might pose a challenge for Korean to find a place in our Kenyan curriculum. All is not lost though. At the present, introducing Korean studies in major universities comes in as a prudent idea since the future is in the prospective graduates` hands. Their knowledge and appreciation of the language and the cultural taste that comes with the studies will make Korean a priority if a language should be introduced in our school system in the future. Moreover, the success of any language is not decided by the superiority of its native speakers but rather its flexibility and adaptability that enables it to fit in any context. For example, the Hangul alphabet might be a new thing but by simplifying it so as to relate the characters with the Swahili syllables will capture Kenyans` attention more. Starting a Korean-Swahili dictionary will also be of help to the Kenyans since it will sound more familiar to Kenyans. There is overwhelming interest; all we need is a way.