Languages – and the human communications they foster – are the bridges that forge global connections and cultural exchanges among peoples. Even the act of learning a foreign language taps into the human desire to create new experiences and strengthen bonds, regardless of and perhaps even because of our perceived differences in nationality and ethnicity. 

Salahaddin University-Erbil is tapping into this sentiment by offering the first-ever Korean course in the Kurdistan Region through its Language and Translation Center, created in collaboration with the Korean Council for International Education. 

The course, which aims to familiarize students with Korean language and culture, will be fully funded by the university. Interest in the course during the 10-day registration period in mid-September surpassed the expectations of Awaz Othman, the course’s instructor. For the 25 available seats, more than 300 students registered in the first three days. “I was surprised by the high turnout in just the first three days. Based on this, we anticipate reaching 600 participants by the final day of registration,” said Othman.

Smooth and gradual progress

Othman, who is 35 years old, is an experienced instructor of the Korean language, having taught countless Korean courses over the years with the support of the Korean Council. Salahaddin University’s course, however, stands out as the first academic Korean language program in the Kurdistan Region.

According to Othman, the course is structured to take students from a beginner level to level two proficiency over the span of four weeks, focusing on teaching everyday language. It will follow the Korean teaching system, which is essential given the language’s uniqueness. Korean has 40 letters and eight distinct types of syllables. The course will aim to build general language skills without any translation training, since “it is very difficult to learn at this stage” by relying solely on the lecturers’ instructions. 

Othman emphasized the importance of gradual progress in both learning and teaching to ensure smooth acquisition and fluency. “If a university offers such a course, it indicates that there are bigger and better things to be expected from that university. We plan on creating other courses following this one to help students progress beyond level two,” she said. 

“And hopefully after that, we will open a Korean language center in the Kurdistan Region, which is my dream,” she added. 

The main goal of those interested in the course, according to the instructor, is to study the language in Korea itself. She also underscored that learning Korean will create new job opportunities for students who are either interested in working with Korean companies or becoming Korean instructors themselves. 

Lifelong dream

Othman’s passion for the Korean language started at a young age when she first learned about Korea through the 2002 World Cup, which the country hosted alongside Japan. The differences between Kurdish culture and Korean culture intrigued her and prompted her interest in learning the language. “When I was 13 years old, there weren’t any Korean language learning textbooks or courses, so I promised myself that I would learn and teach it one day,” she recalled. 

Despite the challenges, Othman remained committed and took the necessary steps to fulfill her dreams, as she saw early on the opportunities and potential of the language.

When asked if she has encountered any criticism, she highlighted people’s desire to learn such a challenging language. “I received many messages complaining that the course was limited to Salahaddin students and alumni. One comment under a post that advertised the course claimed that this was only for the wealthy, not the poor,” she noted. 

“Although the course is indeed only open to Salahaddin students, there will be other courses that everyone can join. After all, the university has the right to make it exclusive for their current and former students and to present a one-of-a-kind opportunity unavailable at any other universities,” Othman said. 

Kaveen Shkearvan is an interpreter and translator based in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region.