Soldiers and students speak out in opposite languages

CAMP HENRY, South Korea - U.S. soldiers from various units in Area IV and Korean elementary school students participated in the 14th Korean-English speech contest at the Camp Henry Theater, Sept 12, for demonstrating their ability to speak the counterpart’s language.

The contest hosted by the Republic of Korea Army Support Group was held to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and local community through greater mutual understanding.

“This is a great opportunity for soldiers and students from our local community to exhibit their linguistic capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. Paul C. Hurley, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general. “By taking it upon yourselves to learn and utilize a new language, you have made a difference not only for yourselves but for the betterment of relations between our two nations.”

The contest began with the students speaking English. They mostly spoke about the importance of English in the future and the ROK-U.S. alliance for defending the Korean peninsula.

Jung Ji-soo, Waegwan elementary school student, said that the contest was a great opportunity for students to improve their English, add to their passion and renew their regard for the U.S. and U.S. soldiers.

Following the students’ speeches, U.S. soldiers showed their Korean speaking ability and talked about their experiences and feelings they have had while living in Korea.

“It was very challenging to read a different language, Hangul, in front of over 100 people, but I tried my best to tell the audience my experience while living in Korea for two years,” said Spc. Keylon M. Lovett, 36th Signal Battalion microwave team specialist. “It is a good way to build cohesion between the ROK-U.S. alliance by giving people chance to interchange each other’s language.”

The winner was chosen by Command Sgt. Maj. Min Jae-ki, Area IV ROKA Support Group command sergeant major, after scoring each individual’s level of skill.

Among the 12 soldiers and 12 students who competed, Spc. Lovett and Jung Ji-soo won first place for their speeches.

“Koreans speaking English and U.S. Soldiers learning Korean is a good way for us to better understand each other,” said Lt. Col. Jeong Se-kwan, Area IV ROKA Support Group commander. “It is a beautiful sign showing our joint state of mind and efforts to go further together amongst the heavy waves of international order.”

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/94932/area-iv-soldiers-and-students-speak-out-opposite-languages#.UFr1WoaNOjc#ixzz270U7AwdE

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