KyungAh CP#1

Today I met my conversational partner for the first time today (Thursday) at 5pm. She is from South Korea and it is her first time here in the states. I was a little bit nervous to meet with her first because I didn't know if I should introduce myself in English or in Korean. And because in Korean culture, if the person is older than you, you have to be respectful and use a formal form of language; since English does not have a "formal" form of language amongst "friends" I felt torn between having to introduce myself in formal Korean, but then using conversational English. But, that could have been me just way overthinking things. Anyways, we agreed to meet at the Starbucks on Tennessee because her and I have a love for coffee. So, when we met she said hello to me in Korean and so I immediately just responded back in Korean. Once we got the introductions out of the way, I told her that since this is supposed to improve her speaking skills we should try and strictly speak in English. She agreed, but she asked if she could get translations from me from Korean to English. She had couple of words she was confused about on definition or just colloquial sayings. I helped her out on those words and she really seemed grateful. I think these sessions will be very nice and easy knowing that she can always ask me things in Korean and I think that makes her feel calm and at ease. I'm excited to start meeting with her more often!