When people aren't supportive of your Korean learning | Lara from Spain

❤️🇰🇷 Learn to speak more Korean with us! ttmik.me/3JvP7Co (Start here)
We hope you find the story and advice Lara shared insightful and helpful!
0:00 Preview
0:23 Who are you?
0:56 What was your dream?
1:20 How did you end up working in Korea?
2:13 How did you first start learning Korean?
3:37 Has your life changed after learning Korean?
4:07 Memorable moments while learning Korean
5:56 How is life for you living in Korea?
6:28 Things that you're not a fan of Korea
7:09 What would you tell yourself in the past?
8:15 What helped the most while learning Korean?
9:30 Culture shock in Korea
9:57 Has learning Korean changed the way you think?
11:49 Advice for people who want to come to Korea
12:30 Dreams or goals
[Interviewee]✌️
Name: Lara Benito
Country: Spain
Links
- KZbin: / @laraland_official / / @alllaraland
- Instagram: / laraland_official
#LearnKorean #TTMIK #한국어

[@talktomeinkorean]

✨TTMIK Mastery Discount ✨ Get Fluent, Save Big! TTMIK Course Yearly Subscription is 50% off & Books are up to 15% off now! ttmik.me/3JvP7Co (April 24 - May 8, 2024)

[@itsnicole11]

One of my sisters is like this. She thinks I’m stupid for learning another language and makes fun of me for it. I usually think that I can talk to 51 million more people than she can and have learnt about another country’s culture, history, food, music etc while she’s only limited to English speaking countries and people

[@sgtmian]

her loss, your gain. if i could learn every language, i would.

[@LoolooandMarco]

People often think they are the ones who can decide what is wrong and right in life. As if they know what is a waste of time and what isn't. Don't listen to it and just do what is fun for you and what you enjoy doing

[@Tummyachesurvior]

There are actually several benefits to learning a new language: -Helps grey and white matter grow -Helps stave off mental decline and cognitive impairments -Improves attention span -Boosts creativity -Improve your first language -Improves Memory

[@talktomeinkorean]

Just keep going! She might end up feeling envious and wishing she'd done the same, seeing how you're able to fully immerse yourself in new cultures and connect with people from around the world through the languages you've learned.🙂💪

[@GuardianDiancie]

My parents would walk over to me curious what I was reading. Only to see I was reading or writing new Korean vocab words in a book. They would say “you are strange for learning a new language, why not stick with your native language”. Only person who doesn’t think of me learning Korean as being strange is my sister. Once in a while I teach her a new Korean word. Continue learning another language. Best thing is you will be able to communicate with others when you travel to that country.

[@faisalamir1928]

She sounds very fluent. Her pronunciations are on point! I've only just started learning Korean. Would love to reach her level of fluency. Lara is my idol!

[@ICDeadPeeps]

She mastered the whole body language and social hand gestures very well too. Love her laugh and overall personality.

[@sarahharris2729]

I think this isn't a positive, I noticed it too. Speak Korean, dont "think" Korean... it destroys individuality and encourages conformity.

[@ICDeadPeeps]

@sarahharris2729 Well, that's certainly one way of looking at it, but I'm going to have to disagree. Her ability to blend in with the natives doesn't limit or destroy her sense of individualism. Briefly looking over her online content, she doesn't live a traditional Korean lifestyle. She's just out there doing her own thing.

[@ICDeadPeeps]

@@Stenchcutter Have you ever lived in another country for an extended amount of time? You would be amazed how well your brain adapts to the local culture and almost resets your cultural norms and expectations. If you listen to other interviews of people who have transplanted their lives, they all very much say the same thing when they go back. I have personally experienced this myself. I think it's a bit harsh to pass judgement so quickly to someone who you have never met or had a real conversation with and label them as "being fake" or "without integrity".

[@Stenchcutter]

@@ICDeadPeeps You are right and I was wrong. I apologise because my comment was very rude and out of line. I’m really sorry. I will delete my comment

[@ICDeadPeeps]

@@Stenchcutter Oh you didn't have to go that far as in deleting your comment. Let's just try to be a little kinder, and do more to spread positive energy to others.

[@LaraLand_Official]

Thank you so much for this interview and for giving me the space to tell my story. Nothing would make me happier than knowing that at least one person was encouraged to follow their dreams and the path they think is right for them by listening to this interview. 너무 너무 감사합니다! ^^

[@talktomeinkorean]

출연해 주셔서 감사합니다. Thank you for sharing your story with us🥰

[@deirdremckprice7702]

Thank you for sharing and inspiring us to continue our Korean language journey. All the best to you. I don't know you personally, but I'm proud of your accomplishments ❤🎉

[@SherryOsborne]

This was so motivational to me. I get what she means. Sometimes people wonder why I don't learn a more "useful" language and I just don't listen anymore. I learn this language because I love it. That's useful to me.

[@victorlanced780]

I get this too. Those who should support us end up discouraging us, knowingly or not. Sometimes it's best to listen to your own voice, even when others tell you why you shouldn't do something.

[@2oqp577]

I have seen many times that behavior, amongst family or not. So I found that it is not related to family or not. I think that a) There are people that are very curious about the fact that they find zero interest for learning another language and so, have no intellectual way to understand others that do. These are the unexplainable nay-sayers and might feel like they lack something. b) There are people that are naturally jealous towards others. They want to be interested, they want to relate but they feel they can't use these routes, so they have two choices; or ridicule the other person in hopes that they will give up learning the other language, or ignore that aspect of the other person in order to diminish a factor that taken at full value, digs a trench between them and the other. They are the people that never talk about you learning another language and will attempt to shut any conversation about that. There are no intersectionality between these types of people and family relationships. It's ok, everyone is different, we have to accept that. But avoid the negativity.

[@sgtmian]

my dad is very "why? that’s not very useful." it’s useful for me. it fulfills me. it broadens my horizons. it’s not going to pay the bills but that doesn’t mean it has no value. i can’t let what someone else thinks affect what i choose to spend my time on because in the end my time is mine and if i listened to what everyone else thinks all the time i would be the one sitting with the regret at the missed opportunities and experiences. i know because i have done that before. i wish i had been more like lara in that it only makes you want to do it more and prove them wrong.

[@2oqp577]

@@sgtmian ...probably afraid to loose you to some other country. Sometimes, people will turn around and 'research' our endeavours and find out about Allyu and the whole thing and realize that it could become your calling and will loose their daughter, son, wife, etc. Most people aren't educated about how to react to something like that and are equally ill-equiped to find things out, the right way.

[@isabellanardone2425]

I'm 48 and about 2 years ago i started learning korean and watching Kdrama. And i had my 1 travel in Seoul and Busan. But my family don't understand my passion and they joke with me. It Is a bit sad. But Who cares. It Is something that make me feel so well. And this Is the 1 time i don't quit on something . Next dream. Spend a full month in Korea and try to study there in a school or something . A real full immersion. Dream big

[@axtlovee_]

So after listening this or reading all comments I understand that I'm not the only person who is learning korean and listening people's nagging and some of them blame me that I'm disloyal with my country so let me tell that liking other country doesn't mean we hate our country

[@ShinyPikachu1]

I am so in love with korean after going to korea that I started spending most of my free time and energy on learning korean and this made me interested in other languages too. Currently learning Korean, Japanese and German as a native of English, Chinese and bit of Malay and Cantonese. Love from Malaysia ❤

[@S-t-y-l-i-s-h_]

I close my eyes while listening to this video and I don't even notice a difference between a Korean native speaker and her, I am speechless honestly 👏

[@ray382vk]

not really. she has foreigner accent. and her pronunciation is not really good as native or fluent

[@AmbiCahira]

I got comments like this at first, but not to be discouraging but more because they didn't understand why when things like google translate exists. Once they saw me enjoy it and have fun they supported my decision and they say they are proud of me now. Korean will be my third language and my aunts have been calling me a genius for being able to read 한글 because they don't know how easy it is to learn.

[@ick5353]

Her speaking voice is so lovely and engaging, but when she sings, she is simply mezmerizing!!! Such an amazing voice and attitude. ¡Venga! 화이팅!

[@Allthingslife1227]

There's an advantage of speaking different languages. I speak English and Spanish. Now taking on Korean. It's challenging but I'm learning. Looking forward to being able to have a conversation with someone.

[@Pokephosgene]

Spanish as a base language seems like a great fit for Korean learners. This is the most clear and intelligible Korean I've heard in a while. I didn't need to use the English subtitles too much.

[@youmnagharabah3016]

She’s amazing and really inspiring!! Thank you for this interview:)

[@derrickthemindfulgamer]

I get this alot to. Like they ask me why I'm learning it but its not just "why" it's feels more like judgemental...like "what would you do that for". The thing that helped me the most is when I realized I don't owe them an explanation nor a justification for my decision. There is something about the language and culture and just the way it sounds that draws me to it and no matter what answer I give, the underlying truth will be I'm learning 싶어서.

[@yovizimra]

I loved this interview, so interesting, thanks Lara and TTMIK ❤❤

[@hollygolightly1]

I'm also an Spanish learning Korean, this inspired me more, thx a lot!

[@sgtmian]

i love these interviews 💗

[@chiquitalombard1401]

All my life, I have been interested in learning languages. Learning to read and write at around 4 or 5 years old, I was fascinated at the thought of putting letters together, forming words and using them to form sentences. It all seemed so magical! Music was also important to me. Hearing songs in other languages made me want to know that language and to sing along with them. Hearing other languages spoken in TV programs made me want to learn about the country and culture where that language was spoken. It's sad that some people think it is useless to learn certain languages! To me, all languages are important! Communication is vital, whether it's through the spoken word or set to music.

[@gabynas]

Que linda! Exemplo de vida e superação que nos inspira e motiva! Abraço do 🇧🇷

[@burrrli]

I really enjoyed watching this interview. Thank you!

[@flipevent]

Very clear and concise Korean from her. I liked listening to this a lot!

[@ohnoitsjulia4541]

This is so inspiring omg ! Thank you for this interview !! 🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@ahnwonil]

What an inspiring interview, thank you! I wish I could speak Korean like Lara one day. And she is so nice 😊

[@wonderfullymadee]

im also from spain and im learning korean so far I haven't had any issues with telling people about my language journey but it is true that maybe you can get some kind of a look when saying you like korea bc of some prejudices about foreign kpop fans that are not that positive so it can slightly turn into a mockery. Fortunately, like i said it hasn't happened to me before and im not even a Kpop stan.

[@edinacaso1839]

I love this series it's really inspiring :)

[@multilingualjourney4576]

Seen Lara from various shows. I realized Spanish might be my next target language after getting a good enough level of Korean 🤔

[@paolagenovese656]

This interview is inspiring!

[@charliesunshine3239]

정말 좋은 인터뷰였어요! 라라와 티티믹, 감사합니다.

[@newjeansfan238]

Ah i didn't remember but i follow her channel, i found her through korean tv show, she sings very well and speaks very well korean

[@ddumida]

I loovee her personality so much!!!! She's my inspiration noe

[@neminaree]

what a wonderful guest ♡ thank you for sharing your story, and I hope you can continue doing things you love for a very long time! and your Korean sounds so good ♡ and thank you TTMIK for inviting different guests! it's really interesting to hear other people's stories ang gain support and encouragement from them ♡

[@welaks1713]

like this series.

[@NewBeginner27]

Great interview.

[@GG-kn2se]

I’m considering stopping learning because it’s so embarrassing having people assume it’s because of K-pop, or a kpop boyband. Also my friend went to Korea and the natives just bullied her for her accent, even though it’s barely noticeable. So yeah.

[@ICDeadPeeps]

I'd say do what you want to do, but don't do it for the opinions of others. Otherwise, you're going to be miserable no matter what and life is too short to live that way. Also, Korean social culture is very critical of others (whether you're a native Korean or not) and it involves playful teasing of each other, which often can be mistaken for bullying. If they're socially teasing you in the open, it's often a sign they've accepted you and they feel comfortable around you. It's best to tease them back like poking fun of their English pronunciation lol.

[@blackbelt2000]

​@@ICDeadPeepswell said, everyone cries bullying or racism over the most mundane or trivial things when it's clearly not. It's always the goto excuse for when something doesn't go they way they fantasize. Kinda pathetic actually. Keep doing what you want to do and don't let horror stories or anyone prevent you from doing so.

[@talktomeinkorean]

I'm really sorry you're dealing with that. It's unfair for people to assume it's all about K-pop and to bully over accents. Those behaviors are just immature, really. I hope you both find supportive Korean friends and don't let negativity stop you from pursuing whatever you want, even if it's not related to language learning.

[@sgtmian]

if that’s what you want, do it, but don’t let ignorant people stop you from doing something you really want to do.

[@Jerome_111]

R u gonna let other ppl step on ur dreams?

[@kdtatayoo]

이런 종류의 비디오들을 보면 이생에 불가능한 건 없다는 걸 믿게 되네요! 그러니까 아무리 사람들은 저한테 뭘 말해도 계속 열심히 다 할게요!! 여러분도 포기하지 마세요!! 우리는 할 수 있다고 믿어요

[@JX2209]

I started learning Korean not too long ago, and it's been a bit difficult because I haven't met a lot of Koreans, when I started learning English I think It was easier to learn the expressions and words right away because of how exposed I was to the language (English is pretty much everywhere tbf), and I want to have that same kind of experience with Korean or at least close to it

[@norahassan2372]

My father insist on me to learn English first instead of korean so beat it I'm gonna learn it after I get in a good level of speaking English.

[@asiyehimnida6641]

너무 재미있고 감동적이었네요 . 좀 부럽기도 하는데 그래도 제 꿈을 살고 있어서 좋아요 ~ 저도 앞으로 더 문법 공부하고 말을 크게 겁없이 실수하더라도 할 생각이 있어요 ~

[@fransmith3255]

신기하네요! 😃

[@kilobiten]

WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT HOW ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS SHE IS if i was the interviewer i'd be stuttering

[@PTzhrzlfzyyn]

Lara from World Class FC 🏅⚽😍

[@misspriss2482]

I get the same thing. I live in the southern US and people are very small-minded and xenophobic here. I mostly don't tell people that I'm learning Korean. They give you the side-eye. We are required to take a language in high school so the fact that I speak French and I am learning Spanish isn't regarded as harshly. You just have to look over people.

[@TobysKpopTop50]

a lot of people are like this, and it actually discouraged me from learning it

[@talktomeinkorean]

That's why we're here and making this interview series - to encourage you!🔥

[@lalalival]

Wow she speak Korean beautiful. And yes I get made fun of learning it I stop bc I got tyroid Cancer so but I'm starting in the fall again. I'm excited. I'm dyslexic and believe me is being easier to study Hungle that's any other language. I do have to go back to book one 😅😅 but I'm going to do my best. I have a naibor and he and his wife are from Korea so I'm excited to be able to have a conversation with them like this .I understand what they are saying put I couldn't speak Al I said was 안녕하세요😢

[@astericstar99]

she's so beautiful!

[@kgdskb]

❤❤❤

[@sue008A]

When people ask why I'm learning Korean. I tell them I have many reasons. They usually leave me alone when I tell them this . Maybe because they don't want to hear all the reasons. Also not everyone who lives in Korea speaks Korean. There are a number of Korean communities and places where I live. Koreans have been coming to the country I live in since the 1800...The biggest wave was in the early 1900s... Many Korean parents send their children here to university to broaden the child's education. I've many stories about Koreans who came here.

[@b.a.p.4718]

Did anyone else notice that the Korean subtitles and what Lara said were sometimes different? 2 Examples: 0:46 and 1:22

[@olli8758]

Yeah! The subtitles corrected her Korean a little bit.

Wow, I want to reach her level. I need to work hard :D

[@user-gi3ub8ki5r]

Do you guys have OFFICIAL STORE ttmik in korea???

[@talktomeinkorean]

We don't have offline stores in Korea😅

[@envyspotion]

Everyone in my life when I decided to learn Spanish: Good job! That's awesome. This is really going to open up a lot of doors for you. Everyone in my life when I started to learn Korean: Why? That is such a waste of time and money. What are you even going to do with it? There are so many ppl that speak Korean in my smallish town that there are Korean language churches. Bsffr. I don't understand why ppl think learning one language has value, but another doesn't 🙄

[@BiKON131]

저도 그런 경험 있어요. '영어로 잘 아닌데 한국어 왜 배워야?' in a sarcastic way 😅 근데 그 사람도 한국 드라마 빠져서 한국어를 조금 배우고 있어요 😅 😊

[@Smoses_senpai]

I think it’s kinda funny that she got a culture shock going back to spain.😄

[@KangSummers]

I'm not sure but I can hear Heuning Bayiyih

[@Sophieknowssometimes3]

Shes so cute

[@Rare_Heart]

I want to join your channel, what what is the channel for?

[@Smoses_senpai]

Is it just me or is her voice similar to miyeon’s voice from gidle?

[@user-dv5if1hm2w]

Honestly, I've never heard of Korea as a "small country." I Googled about Korea. 1. The world's 10th largest economy 2. 5th overall national power 3. No. 1 Memory Semiconductor Market Share (Hynix, Samsung Electronics) 4. Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and other automotive brands (3rd in the world) 5. World's No. 1 shipbuilding industry (HD Hyundai, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hanjin, etc.) 6. No. 2 in automotive battery market share (SKon, LG Energy Solution, SDI, etc.) 7. World's Top TV, Smartphone Market Share (Samsung, LG)

[@dripxenseixensei3822]

Science have proven that learning a new language rewires the brain increasing creativity. Because communication is key for survival, we evolved having advanced problem solving skills which has resulted in a beautiful and logical language such as Korean. Learning another language or just studying to improve the grammar and vocabulary of your native language is actually beneficial to your health and skillset (powered by creativity) Learning Korean will rewire parts of the brain, optimizing the sounds that you hear (your hearing becomes better and better). Your speech will be improved, being able to communicate with ease. Creativity plays a huge role because any problem you come across throughout your language learning journey or life in general, it's your co conscious and subconscious mind working together in a complex creative way to solve problems. So ignore the haters, they're bitter and dumb. Chase your dreams / goals because life is boring and meaningless without them. Go become fluent in Korean and live happily. 😎

[@mightytaiger3000]

One of my S korean friends said the same thing to me. “It’s a small country. Who cares to learn its language?” I also see a lot of apathy from S Koreans when it comes to NKorean citizens and the situation overall that created a division in Korea. Seems very odd to me that they have an overall attitude of looking out and mostly dismissing anything going on inside Korea.

[@blackbelt2000]

your friend is not smart. Keep doing what brings you joy and cut out the people who weigh you down.

[@zaregotoch.8491]

I think the main reason people aren't supportive is because they think it's cringe to learn Korean only cause you're a K-pop/K-Drama fan and that you don't actually care about the rest of the culture/country. It's like being a weeaboo for girls basically.

[@catherinedionne9896]

이 타입 영상이 많이 쓸데있다. 촬영하기 계속해주세요 ~

[@talktomeinkorean]

감사합니다! 계속 봐 주세요🥰

[@terorerorero1643]

I think she's cool for having persisted in the face of doubt but it's a little odd how she seems like she's kinda low key dissing on Spain instead...? Idk ... That's just the vibe i got from the way she spoke about both countries. If not for that this would've been really wholesome

[@natalypina2447]

Only don’t like she speak cute, is When a Actriz don’t people really

[@mianhaeioi]

Where does she live that Koreans are quiet? In Seoul, no one cares how loud they are talking, especially younger people LOL

[@user-ws3qn7tg5b]

Lara's tone in Korean has gotten more childish with time

[@bourjoism3917]

Why people have to be supportive to begin with?????are you counting on others to live ur life????victim mentality indeed

[@zzss0012]

She's talking about someone who was close to her and a mentor to her. It's not like she expects everyone in the world to support her. I'm sorry for you if the people in your life don't support you, but many of us actually have supportive people around us and prefer to keep it that way.