Korean Wave and informal language learning: Learners' perspectives in online spaces

Abstract

This chapter explores Korean language learners’ perspectives on how their language learning intersects with Korean popular culture. It analyses learner discourse on the social media platform Reddit, focusing on learners’ motivations, the materials and methods they use, the effectiveness of these resources, and the sociocultural impacts of their learning. By exploring learners’ use of informal resources like K-pop and K-drama, the chapter illustrates the role of popular media in language learning and sociocultural integration. It offers significant insights into how their learning experiences, identities, and investment intersect within Norton's (Norton, 2013) framework. The findings suggest that while informal media resources have limitations, particularly in learning grammar, integrating them into formal instruction can enhance learner engagement and investment. This study thus proposes aligning classroom instruction with learners’ interests in Korean popular culture, emphasising sociocultural dimensions, and fostering self-reflection on identity to strengthen connections between language learning and cultural understanding and empower learners to engage meaningfully with Korean media and culture.