How to Start Reading in a Foreign Language

Why we should read, especially in a foreign language

Reading, even in one's native language is a fantastic way to learn new words, expressions and even information. In modern times reading for pleasure has been long discarded and been replaced with reading to gain knowledge or to prove someone wrong. While this is great for have a broad knowledge of many subjects and being able to read deeply into a subject, this form of reading has it's disadvantages.

Many people have a diminishing passive vocabulary in their native language because let's face it, who wants to read something that's overly flowery or descriptive when we want the facts that we came to learn. On the opposite end of the spectrum, this can be a disadvantage of reading in a a foreign language because it is not so clear as to what is common language and what is overly flowery language that even natives may have trouble deciphering. This likely won't be too much of a problem as all the common words will be used far more often.

Reading in itself is simply the fastest way to pick up words for foreign language learners but also comes at the price of being quite tiring to do for long periods of time, which is why a lot of listening to and watching of content is highly recommended as they are a lot less intense and contain other advantages such as the sounds and inflection of the language.

Should We Learn Hanja(한자)[漢字]?

Check out the related video:

What are 한자(漢字)?

Shortly after you begin studying you may come across the statistic that 70%  words used in the Korean language are of Chinese origin. These were originally represented by Chinese characters. This logo graphic writing system was invented thousands of years ago and have continuously developed as more concepts needed to be expressed.

Initially only used by the higher classes due to lack of public education. In the current age it is easy for many in the developed world to spend time on learning the characters due to an abundance of information and resources available via the internet.

Talk to Me in Korean Hanja (Word Builder) Reference List [Level 3-9]

From level 3 to 9 TTMIK have lessons based around a single Hanja where they show examples of words that use that Hanja. You can see my thoughts on TTMIK's Hanja guide in my TTMIK curriculum and book review. I have also compiled a Hanja deck from a book called 날로 먹는 한자 that contains almost 2000 Hanja.

• TTMIK Grammar points list
• Advanced idiomatic expressions list

Talk to Me in Korean Grammar Points Reference List [Level 1-10]

This list has been made due to the change of the TTMIK website where the lessons used to be nicely listed. I have compiled the lessons that just contain grammar points with links to the lessons so that they can be more easily accessed and can be used as a checklist to see if you understand them.

• Hanja(word builder) lessons list
  
• Advanced idiomatic expressions list

Octopath Traveler - Battle-tested Weapons/Shield locations

There are 2 ways to acquire these weapons, one is post game guaranteed and the other is a low percent drop from certain 10 star NPC's. The guaranteed methods of obtaining are only available after completing a certain character's chapter 4. I will give the location of the NPC that drops and also the location of the weapon to purchase/steal from. The drop rate for challenging is 2% so it may take a while to get the items to drop.

Octopath Traveler - Forbidden Weapon Locations guide

The Forbidden weapons are a series of weapons that have good stats but a trade off in some form, I will show you where to get each of these and where you can purchase them. They cannot be stolen and have be purchased with Tressa.

They cost around 66-77k each but I suggest save scumming to get a 15-20k discount which is entirely random although Inquire/scrutinize can increase your chances in some towns. 

From what I have seen online some can be found in Therion's purple treasure chests, I do not know the location of the chests. Now includes shield.