The Korean Language: Structure, Use and Context

The Korean language is ranked 11th among the languages in the world in terms of numbers of speakers. Korean is now studied as an important foreign language in an increasing number of countries. This book provides a good overview of the language in a readable way without neglecting important structural aspects of the language. Furthermore, the book explains geographical, historical, social and cultural context of the language. This book provides a general description of the Korean language by highlighting important structural aspects of the language, whilst keeping technical details to a minimum. It situates the Korean language in its geographical, historical, social and cultural context so that readers can gain a good understanding of its speakers and the environment in which it is used. Covering a wide range of topics on Korean including its genetic affiliation, historical development, sound patterns, writing systems, vocabulary, grammar and discourse, the book also illuminates differences betweenNorth and South Korean, and related language planning and policy issues. The Korean Language is designed to be accessible primarily to English-speaking learners of Korean and scholars working in disciplines other than linguistics, although it also serves as a useful introduction for general linguists. The book will complement Korean language textbooks used in the classroom. It will be welcomed not only by readers with a wider interest in Korean studies, but also by Asian specialists in general. Moreover it will be valuable reading for so-called heritage learners of Korean.)

Jae Jung Song teaches linguistics at the University of Otago, New Zealand.