Foreword
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4312/ala.15.1.5-6Abstract
Studying the Korean language serves as a vital key to understanding the interconnected realms of linguistics, history, culture, literature, and education. This issue seeks to highlight the richness of contemporary Korean Studies through a diverse collection of articles spanning these various fields. Notably, this edition showcases the passion and interest in Korean linguistics from scholars across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Through the global engagement, we envision the potential for building a new Korean Studies network and, ultimately, fostering an expanded network for Asian Studies.
This issue begins with YOON Sang-seok’s “The Use of the Honorific Suffix -si- for Non-human Subjects: An Analysis of Talk-shows,” which examines pragmatic nuances in the misuse of honorifics, shedding light on broader social tendencies.
Following this, Maša ŽBOGAR’s “An Overview of Korean Case Marker Alterations: Focusing on the eul/reul 을/를 – i/ga 이/가 Alteration” investigates the substitution of accusative and nominative markers in specific constructions, offering fresh perspectives on Korean grammar.
Bishwanath KUMAR’s “Grammaticalization in the Korean Aspectual System” concludes the grammatical studies section, exploring the evolution of Korean aspectual markers in a global linguistic context.
The historical dimension of the Korean language is addressed in two intriguing articles. MOON Hyun-soo’s “Differences in Linguists’ Perceptions of the History of Korean Language: Focusing on the Causes” contrasts how distinct socio-political contexts shape linguistic interpretations.
Andrew E. SHIMUNEK’s “Puyŏ and Han: Morphological and Lexical Analysis of Two Distinct Language Groups of the Early Korean Peninsula” challenges the traditional notion of Puyŏ-Han linguistic unity, demonstrating their distinctiveness as independent language groups.
The cultural aspect of Korean linguistics is explored through Eva VUČKOVIČ’s “Workplace Discourse and Expression of Hierarchy in Yoon Tae-ho’s Webtoon Misaeng,” which uses critical discourse analysis to examine hierarchical dynamics in corporate settings, as depicted in this iconic Korean webtoon.
In the realm of translation, KANG Byoung Yoong’s “Unveiling Koreanness in Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl: Cultural Representation and Translation Strategies” investigates the representation of Korean identity within the space opera genre, exploring the challenges and strategies involved in translating such cultural elements.
Finally, JEONG Eun Kyung’s “A Comparative Study of Idiomatic Expressions Related to Staple Foods in Korea and Türkiye: Rice and Bread” bridges linguistic and cultural divides, comparing idiomatic expressions tied to staple foods in Korean and Turkish traditions.
The ICKL conference, held late in the winter of 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, sparked a commitment to high-quality collaboration and professional growth in our field. As a key outcome of this fruitful exchange—supported by AKS-2022-INC-2250001—we are pleased to present this issue, which showcases the insights and advancements fostered through this collaboration.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Studies Promotion Service at the Academy of Korean for their unwavering support. Their commitment to advancing Korean Studies globally has been fundamental to the scholarly efforts presented here.
This issue highlights the vibrancy and interdisciplinarity of Korean Studies, offering fresh perspectives and fostering dialogue. We sincerely thank the authors, reviewers, and contributors whose dedication made this issue possible and hope it inspires further exploration of Korean linguistics and culture.
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