Introduction

The You Speak Korean (YSK) series, initially published in book form in 2003, was one of the first textbook series intended for novice learners with no background in the Korean language. The second editions of Books 1 and 2 have undergone significant updates to better accommodate recent changes in the student population and their learning needs, as well as current teaching approaches (e.g., performance- and proficiency-based, backward design, and task-supported language teaching). The textbooks and their accompanying async practice materials and tasks are intended for a first-year classroom course, but can be fun and useful self-study books as well, with or without the help of a Korean-speaker friend or tutor, as they are available on the Open Educational Resources (OER) platform.

The second edition of the YSK series consists of two parts: (1) Textbooks for classroom instruction or self-study and (2) Practice Books that contains traditional workbook chapters and real-world tasks focusing on three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational), as well as intercultural communication. Please visit these links to find the completed websites with original pictures and content, as well as associated async practices and tasks:

• You Speak Korean Textbook 1: http://ysk.upenn.domains/ysk1/
• You Speak Korean Practice Book 1: http://ysk.upenn.domains/ysk1wb/
• You Speak Korean Textbook 2: http://ysk.upenn.domains/ysk2/
• You Speak Korean Practice Book 2: http://ysk.upenn.domains/ysk2wb/

Organization — Textbook

Book 1 presents 12 chapters, with topics illustrated as follows:

Book 2 presents 11 chapters, with topics illustrated as follows:

Each chapter consists of the following segments:

Learning Goals 학습 목표

As the YSK series is organized using the backward design approach, each chapter begins with clearly stated end learning goals that are performance-based. These goals are also aligned with the target proficiency level (Novice Mid/High for Book 1 and Novice High/Intermediate Low for Book 2) and the 2017 NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements.

Setting Up 들어가기

This section provides a lesson focus that outlines the key elements to be covered in each chapter. Following the lesson focus, you will find a short dialogue introducing the key grammar items and functions of the chapter. To facilitate learning, an accompanying audio file is provided for students to listen to and practice along with the dialogue. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on how the new grammar and expressions are utilized within a contextual conversation.

Ingredients 단어

In this section, essential vocabulary is introduced through thematically organized expressions, complemented by original pictures that reflect both contemporary Korean language learners and Korean culture. Vocabulary notes and exercises are also included. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with new vocabulary items before the start of each lesson, utilizing online vocabulary practice apps (a link to which is provided on the website).

Recipe 문법과 표현

This section presents key grammar patterns, beginning with a sample dialogue accompanied by audio, allowing students to listen to and think about the target grammar and function in context. It is followed by easy-to-understand explanations and examples carefully chosen to illustrate the grammar point’s usage and semantic nuance. Subsequently, grammar exercises are provided, starting from more straightforward, controlled tasks like conjugation exercises to more complex, open-ended activities, such as dialogues and interviews. These allow students to apply the target grammar in various contexts.

Let’s Cook 해 봐요! 

This section presents real-life tasks that enable students to combine and apply their acquired vocabulary and grammar expressions. These authentic scenarios provide a platform for integrating language skills and promoting creative and meaningful language use. The section is divided into three categories: Interpretive (Listening), Interpretive (Reading, Writing), and Interpersonal/Presentational (Speaking, Presentation) Tasks. Primarily designed for oral practice in pairs or groups, these activities can also be adapted for extended practice or homework assignments, helping learners consolidate their understanding and skills.

Korean Flavors 한국 언어와 문화

This section provides students with useful information on Korean linguistics and culture, enabling them to deepen their understanding of the language and effectively engage in communication to successfully perform the intended tasks in the Korean language.

I Got This! 할 수 있어요!

This section presents the learning goals of each chapter again, allowing students to self-evaluate their learning and take steps to reinforce it, as needed. The listening script and PDF version of the chapter are also presented here.

Now You Try! 스스로 해 봐요 

As students are now prepared to work independently, they are guided to practice and apply the new elements of the Korean language in various contexts by completing workbook exercises and engaging in real-world tasks. To access additional practice materials, students can click on the links provided in the section.

How to Use This Book in the Classroom

The material in this textbook is intended to fill one academic year of a standard, non-intensive, college-level introductory course, assuming that each chapter can be covered within a week.

Semester Plan

Quarter Plan