This is Tim from KoreanClass101.com.
GREAT! You are born in Canada!!! I had lived in Victoria, B.C for 8-9 years. So.... at least we have a common. That's NICE!
Okay. You just mentioned that you are dedicated to learning Korean.
Here is my question to you... If you want to learn English, what is the very first thing to learn about?
SUBJECT? VERB? DAILY CONVERSATION? ...
My answer is (at least I do think...) to learn English Alphabet.
Learn about English vowel and consonant and then, you are able to say some words without knowing its meanings.
If you agree to my point above, the same rule applies to learning Korean.
Learn Korean Alphabet first - both vowels and consonants. It wouldn't take much time...
After that, you are able to say some words by just looking at them (you don't need to know the meanings at this point, right?).
After that, (only after that) learning Korean would be getting much easier and smoother for you.
WHY??? Many Korean grammar rules are related to the SOUND of each word.
For examples, the rule of 'Object-Marking Particles 을/를' depending on the SOUND of its object.
The rule of 'Topic-Marking Particles 은/는' also depends on the SOUND of its topic (subject).
The rule of 'Subject-Marking Particles 이/가' also depends on the SOUND of its subject.
And if you keep studying Korean, more than 50% of grammar rules are depending on the SOUND.
If you don't know Korean alphabet, how would you KNOW THE SOUND!!!???
I hope you see my point!
The rule for 'Marking-Particles' are simple.
If the end of SOUND of each noun is vowel, attach 는, 가, 를.
If the end of SOUND of each noun is consonant, attach 은, 이, 을.
For examples...?
1. 나 "I" is pronounced as
'na' (n=ㄴ, a=ㅏ), which the sound ends in 'a=ㅏ' sound.
"VOWEL"
Then what? attach 는, 가, 를 (depending on its location). so it becomes 나는, 나가 (better to say 내가), and 나를.
2. How about 너 "you"?
너 is pronounced as
'neo' (n=ㄴ, eo=ㅓ), which the sound ends in 'ea=ㅓ' sound.
"VOWEL"
Then what? attach 는, 가, 를. so it becomes 너는, 너가, 너를.
(SEE how easy it is!!! after knowing Korean Alphabet - 'Hangeul')
3. How about 물 "water"?
물 is pronounced as
'mul' (m=ㅁ, u=ㅜ, l=ㄹ), which the sound ends in 'l = ㄹ' sound.
"CONSONANT"
Then what? attach 은, 이, 을. so it becomes 물은, 물이, 물을.
Why don't you give a listen to 'Absolute Beginner Season 2 Lesson 3 and 4'?
I am very willing to help you out but, you also have to do your work. (at least you have to show me how dedicated you are...)
I hope I can meet you throughout the 'Absolute Beginner Season 2'.
cheers,
Tim