Konglish

Konglish (Korean: 콩글리시 or more formally Hangul: 한국어식 영어; hanja: 韓國語式英語 "Korean language style English") is the use of English words (or words derived from English words) in a Korean context. The words, having initially been taken from the English language, are either actual English words in Korean context,^[1] like 모터사이클 (motorcycle), or are made from a combination of Korean and/or English words (such as Officetel 오피스텔 Office + Hotel) which are not used in English-speaking countries. It can be considered a sublanguage,^[2] and common sentence structure or vocabulary mistakes made by Koreans have also been referred to as Konglish.^[3][4][5] Words and phrases borrowed from English or other languages may be shortened if Koreans using them feel they are too long.^[6][7] Kim Seong-kon, an English professor at Seoul National University, attributed these mistakes to an overreliance on a Korean-English dictionary and a lack of understanding of culture and natural collocations. Additionally, he felt Koreans should actively seek native English speakers to proof-read their English.^[8]

Modern use of Konglish

Using English words in daily conversation, advertising, and entertainment is seen as trendy and cool. However this use can often lead to misunderstandings due to problems with pronunciation, grammar or vocabulary.^[9] Modern use of Konglish has already created a linguistic divide between North Korea and South Korea. North Korean defectors can have trouble integrating into South Korean society because much of the Konglish used there is not used in North Korea. This can lead to confusion, misunderstandings and delay integration into the society. This is not the sole cause of the linguistic divide between the two nations as some Korean words are also used differently between the two countries.^[10] While Konglish problems exist between the North and South they also exist between the metropolitan and rural.^[11] Ahn Jung-hyo a Korean-English translator who is the author of "A False English Dictionary" was noted for saying that improper use of Konglish in other countries is likely to bring shame to Korea.^[6] However, John Huer, a columnist for Korea Times, noted Konglish usage as one of his "10 Most Wonderful Things About Korea". He felt that it was both inventive and clever.^[12] After that article Huer criticized Koreans for their bad English and improper use of loanwords, though.^[13] Modern Konglish usage could even be viewed as art, yet there is a difference between a cultural use of a word like "Fighting!" and the bad grammar and vocabulary seen on signs, packages, and TV around Korea. Sebastian Harrisan has suggested that calling these kinds of things Konglish masks the problem with English education in Korea.^[14] The Korean government has been criticized by civic groups for their use of Konglish in slogans and focusing too much on English education. They feel that the heavy focus on English will damage the Korean language and doesn't benefit international competitiveness.^[15] In contrast, Jasper Kim, a law professor at Ewha Womans University, wrote that Konglish is necessary in a global context and that strict adherence to grammatical rules shouldn't trump getting the message across.^[16]

The spread of Konglish in the Korean language has been cited as a reason to increase Koreans' exposure to native English speakers, especially during their educational time. Koreans instructing others can lead to cementing errors into the language.^[17] Poor planning in the education system can result in unqualified Korean teachers being chosen to teach English with little or no time to prepare. These teachers end up using Konglish in the classroom.^[18] Even teachers who prepare may end up using official materials that contain numerous errors and Konglish.^[19] This can create a feeling of passiveness towards learning structurally and technically correct English. Students look to teachers as the example and if teachers are making mistakes, these are passed on to them.^[20] The issue of bad Konglish has been raised in relation to tourism. There is a concern that poor English on signs, brochures, websites, or in other media might cause tourists to find another destination.^[21][22] This is a concern not just in small or remote venues, but even major international locations like Incheon Airport. When the airport was first opened for business more than 49 signs were found to contain English errors.^[20] In addition to keeping away tourists, Konglish usage can lead to the breakdown of business deals. Misunderstandings might lead a foreign business partner to lose confidence in a Korean company.^[23] In 2010, a poll showed that 44% of local governments in South Korea used an English phrase in their marketing slogan.^[24] The slogans at the time included: Lucky Dongjak, Dynamic Busan, Yes Gumi, Colorful Daegu, Ulsan for You, Happy Suwon, New Start! Yesan, Super Pyeongtaek, Hi-Touch Gongju, and Nice Jecheon.^[24]

As Koreans emigrate to English speaking countries Konglish has also come to refer to Korean words being used in mainly English sentences.^[25]

List of most common Konglish

The National Academy of the Korean Language selected 6000 essential vocabulary for people learning Korean. Lee Jae-wook compiled this list and organized it by frequency. The highest frequency section contains 1087 total words, including a number of Konglish terms taken directly from English;^[26] these terms retain the same meaning and nearly the same pronunciation as in the original English. (Revised Romanization is used below.)

See also

• List of Korea-related topics
• List of Konglish terms
• Wasei-eigo – similar phenomenon in the Japanese language
• Contemporary culture of South Korea
• Engrish

References