<br>
For most Koreans mastering English is seen as a life-long challenge, begun while still in the womb as mothers play English-language tapes on a special device that claims to deliver sounds directly to the fetus.
<br>
With her trademark beret, bright eyes and energetic disposition, Dorothy Nam, one of the most popular English instructors on TV with programs on EBS, Nickelodeon and KBS, is trying to make the arduous task of learning English more enjoyable.
<br>
<br>
"A lot of viewers tell me that I inspire confidence in them to learn English," said Nam in a recent interview with The Korea Herald.
<br>
<br>
"When you learn any language, you have to know the culture, which is my specialty. I try to reveal more about Western culture by teaching everyday phrases that aren`t taught in regular text books," said Nam.
<br>
<br>
In person, Nam is as pleasant as she appears on-camera. English students of Hong Ik University are fortunate to have Nam as an English faculty professor for speech communication. Nam majored in speech communication at Penn State University, and has taught at Woo Song University. In the United States, Nam was active in politics, as an appointed commissioner for the campaigns of Bob Dole for congressman, Tom Davids and the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission.
<br>
<br>
A natural-born communicator, Nam had always wanted to become a teacher. As a young girl, Nam would role-play as the teacher for her plush-toys, writing on her "Wizard of Oz" chalkboard. Nam`s family immigrated to the United States when she was 3 years old, and in 1996, she returned to Korea to teach English in Daejon.
<br>
<br>
In 2001, a friend suggested that she audition as an emcee for the EBS show, "Listening Special." The producer was so impressed by Nam`s charismatic skills, he automatically made her a regular host and even created "Dorothy Nam`s Q&A Corner." She has now become a favorite TV personality in Korea, expanding to radio and consulting for other English education programs.
<br>
<br>
Tapping into all things English, Nam has even published a book, "Talk, Talk with Dorothy", a humorous beginner`s guide to conversational English, including audiotapes. "This book teaches `real English` that we use everyday. It`s short, basic and easy to follow - most of all, it`s fun," said Nam.
<br>
<br>
When Nam has time to relax from her busy schedule, she likes to host parties and travel to exotic locales to learn about new cultures - like Tibet.
<br>
<br>
"I enjoy bringing good people together and meeting new faces; I enjoy learning from others and different takes on life. I like to make friends in many different circles," Nam said, adding, "and I love to cook for friends and share with them."
<br>
<br>
Nam is willing to help future broadcasting hopefuls who want to work in the industry. If you are proficient in English, and you would like to pursue a career in English language broadcasting or voice acting, visit www.ndorothy.com and submit your profile to Nam under the "jobs" bulletin board.
<br>
<br>
"I am very open to many different opportunities. I feel that I have been blessed, so I would like to try to help others who would like to enter this field of work," Nam added.
<br>
<br>
You can catch Nam on EBS`s "Survival English" and "English Tips"; on KBS radio`s, "Fun! Fun! English"; and on JEI-TV`s "Here We Go."
<br>
<br>
By Krista
<br>
<br>
<!-- -->
