Puppy Loving Reader

Puppy Loving Reader

 

When I offered her an interview as a woman in Korea with active hobbies, she agreed to give me details of her hobbies including reading books in English and puppy-loving.

 

She declined to give her details, indicating she is just a puppy lover in her 40s who hopes people will think of her as an easy-going person. Hearafter, I will call her Stephanie, her English name.

 

Stephanie likes Joy Luck Club, featuring Chinese people in the US and possesses an older edition of the book in English she cherishes, as well as liking Secret Garden, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and bits of Only Necessary Thing by Henri J. M. Nouwen.

 

Talking on the side on Sung Ki Woong, who is the Korean dramatist Stephanie likes best, she finds his plays witty, sensitive and ample, all the time supplying colour and personality.

 

She thinks positively of translation because that involves interpreting and enlivening the sentiment of the book in its original language, as well as improving the original language ability. When it comes to weighing just the reading of books in English and translation into Korean, both never fail to pique her interest. She tells of her experience of English thesis on agriculture and plants, as well as of Chinese book on organic farming: it was hard enough, but the fullness she felt on finishing came on to her as tongue-tying positivity. In general, she finds empathy first and communication comes right after.

 

She says: "Now I don't have time to do much reading in foreign languages, but I would love to someday go to a reading club to share opinions on international novels or plays. On the whole I also like Somerset Maugham and dramatist Anton Chekhov. I would recommend the aforementioned English novel Joy Luck Club. Hirata Oriza is my favourite Asian dramatist.“

 

She does not hesitate to give reading advice in English to junior readers. "If there is an interpretation, don't read it and practise reading quickly. Don't memorize the words, repeatedly read and you will have your vocabulary list. Whether writing or interpreting, do it really fast. Speed is important, and although it may seem hard, skills will come to you soon.

 

She suggests Maugham's works The Moon and Six Pence and Human Bondage for early readers. Chekhov's works to her are excellent with humour and satire. "I learned about Chekhov at the venerable Parangsae Theatre. It was very witty and cynical. I just have fun reading these stuff, rather than try to find meaning in the activity of reading.

 

She adds that she likes music too: "John Williams and Ennio Morricone, who wrote for A Love Affair. In classical music, Handel, Schubert songs and classical Sanctus." She is right there in the cross section of English language readers in Korea, who allow themselves sufficient time to reading English originals and international music in their diary. She has her toes in the English-speaking culture.

 

She has had the opportunity to participate in a Christian book club who read English language books, but she really started to read famous works in English in college.

 

Now she came to the topic she is passionate about: dogs. She thinks dogs are best communicators with human beings; "So we always have to take care of the dogs who are friends with and dependent on us. They are naive and smart at once, showing thanks to humans' small deeds. Sometimes they are even better than us." She concludes that we should all sense differences between the 'I' and the 'other' and all harmonize and unite.