I mean I was born and raised here in the States, so I don't know how to speak Korean. But I understand Korean. When I'm at home, my parents talk in Korean, I answer them in English, which they understand but cannot speak fluently. Except my dad. He speaks both fluent English and Korean, as he is in the police force. He speaks with no Korean accent too!
2007-09-29 08:50:57 · 21 answers · asked by <3 my nut brown maiden 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Im in the same situation except my mom speaks spanish.. but i dont think you should be ashamed. its just who you are.
2007-09-29 09:04:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
1st, you are an American if you were born here. Not knowing how to speak your parents native tongue is not bad. A lot of kids who are born here don't know how to speak their native language. It's not bad. If it wasn't taught to you at home or you just didn't try to learn then that is on you. But if your father can speak English fluently then you should be able to learn Korean with some help, unless you don't want to. Good luck.
2007-10-05 18:36:57 · answer #2 · answered by curious dad 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To the idiot Wayne: Rapper that live in US are American. The primary lanaguage in the US, is English. Last time I checked American rappers do speak english. Dont answer another question either. I think you just decreased IQ of everyone in the world.
Almighty you should be ashamed because you're racist and an idiot, that has nothing better to do than hide behind a computer screen. You wouldnt dare say any of this nonesense to someones face.
To answer the question you should not feel bad about not knowing how to speak Korean. You were born here in the US so your Native tongue is English. You're American. I know many hispanic/asian ppl that do not know how to speak their cultures language. Don't worry just try and learn. You're still cool in my book.
2007-09-29 16:19:03 · answer #3 · answered by Beautifully Disigned 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't feel ashamed, but it might be a good idea for you to learn the language in the future (Or at least some form of fluency).
You can't really value yourself by that. All it may do is possibly open up oppurtunities, and impress your ancestry.
I've been on and off with my quest of learning Spanish (I'm half Puerto Rican), but even though at one time I knew at least 1000 words (Because I was tested on it :P): I've still never been fluent. It really deals with my reaction time, but I may never be fluent. There's still that blood running through my veins, and that's all that really matters.
Plus on another level: I should know at least some Korean, because I've been practicing Korean Martial Arts for the last 8 years. Sadly: I'm still a newb. :p
Good luck in what you decide to do. Learning a language is not easy, and know Korean is definitely a tuff one.
2007-09-29 20:26:10 · answer #4 · answered by Kenshiro 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think you should be ashamed. I do feel you may want to think about learning the language.It is a part of your cultural heritage.One of my regrets as an African American is that due to slavery I do not speak an African language,along with not knowing African culture.You have a choice and are surrounded by family members who can help to teach you your Korean language and culture. Do not lose that oppurtunity.
2007-10-07 07:11:45 · answer #5 · answered by glad you asked 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's extremely common, actually. Kids that grow up in a family that's bilingual but who only speak only one of the two languages socially, professionally, and in the classroom often experience a partial language loss.
The good news is, it's easy for you to acquire full Korean language skill if you feel like doing it some day.
2007-10-06 03:08:23 · answer #6 · answered by July 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. Your native tongue is English. Many first generation people can't speak the tongue of the country their parents came from. Nothing to be ashamed about.
2007-10-06 17:51:05 · answer #7 · answered by merrybodner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandfather was born in Denmark, my father was the first generation in this country. I do not know how to speak Dansk, but I study a lot of Scandinavian culture, and try to understand my ancestors and the way of life in Denmark, Norway etc since my family stretches from all over Scandinavia. I do wish to learn how to speak Dansk someday so I can travel there, but no you should not be ashamed but be open minded and try to learn your families native tongue.
2007-09-29 15:54:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmm... i wouldn't say that's shameful at all. i mean, you're kind of like the victim of circumstance. you were raised in the US where english is the primary language and enough emphasis really isnt given on having a second language. so... you really couldn't help it.
what i would say is shameful, however, is if you have no interest at all in the korean language or culture. hopefully that's not the case.
2007-09-30 01:44:28 · answer #9 · answered by ry 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is a shame , as I'm sure that there would be much wisdom to learn from Korean literature , which would be of benefit to us all . Perhaps your Father may find time to teach you more ?.
2007-10-07 06:40:18 · answer #10 · answered by maharg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is a shame.
I lived in Japan with a Japanese-American friend that did not know the language at all. He became a recluse because he was ashamed that he looked Japanese but could not communicate.
2007-10-06 16:59:03 · answer #11 · answered by born at freedmans 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋