Konglish

Konglish (Korean: 콩글리시) is the use of English words (or words derived from English words) in a Korean context. The words, having initially been taken from English language, are either actual English words in Korean context^[1], or are made from a combination of Korean and English words. It is considered a sublanguage.^[2] Common sentence structure or vocabulary mistakes made by Koreans has 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]

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.^[7] 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.^[8] While Konglish problems exist between the North and South they also exist between the metropolitan and rural.^[9] 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.^[10] After that article Huer criticized Koreans for their bad English and improper use of loanwords, though.^[11] 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.^[12] 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.^[13] 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.^[14]

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.^[15] 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.^[16] Even teachers who prepare may end up using official materials that contain numerous errors and Konglish.^[17] 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.^[18] 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.^[19][20] 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.^[18] 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.^[21]

As Koreans emigrate to English speaking countries Konglish has also come to refer to Korean words being used in mainly English sentences. ^[22]

List of Konglish Words Without English Equivalents

A typical example of misuse of English, now regarded commonly as "konglish".

The following is a list of words used in South Korea that either: 1) have their origins in English but lack precise English equivalents largely due to the fact that they describe (new) Korean social phenomena 2) have their origins in English but have taken on a new definition, one unfamiliar to most native English speakers 3) use English words in new combinations.

• o-pi-seu-tel (오피스텔 "Office-tel") - a portmanteau of "office" and "hotel". An officetel is usually a small, modern room that has basic facilities including a kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower. While many officetel are used as functional offices, they are increasingly being designed with permanent habitation in mind and often resemble miniature condominium apartments. In some cases, officetel avoid higher taxes than those levied on actual apartments.^[23]

• seu-kin-seu-ku-beo (스킨스쿠버 "skin scuba") - scuba-diving^[24]

• sya-peu (샤프 "sharp") - a mechanical pencil^[25]

• won-rum (원룸 "One room") - a bachelor-style studio apartment^[26]

• won-syat (원샷 "one shot") - a form of toast, roughly equivalent to "bottom's up". It challenges the drinker to finish his drink in one gulp.^[27]

• paiting or hwaiting (파이팅, 화이팅 "fighting"), a Korean cheer that can roughly be translated as "Victory!" but can also be used as a word of encouragement (a la "Courage!").^[6][28]

• a-pa-teu (아파트 "apartment"). This word is used to mean not only individual suites, but "apartment building" or "apartment complex".^[29]

See also

• List of Korea-related topics
• Contemporary culture of South Korea
• Engrish

References