Our mission is by no means aimed to “export or globalize” Hangul or the Korean language. First of all, I would like to draw a clear line between Hangul and the Korean language. Hangul is a means to contain a spoken language. The Cia-Cia tribe will be using the alphabet to propagate and conserve their spoken language, which is on the verge of extinction due to a lack of a mean to write it down. It is a part of a global project led by many linguists to help preserve the indigenous languages of aboriginal communities. So the campaign should be seen in a broader perspective, as part of efforts to conserve the diversity of language and culture, rather than as the simple proliferation of Hangul.
We should also banish the thought that Hangul can be used to express all words. We must overcome and do away with the egocentric belief that our alphabet is all-inclusive.
A similar piece appeared in the Chosun Ilbo in August:
Efforts to spread Hangeul should not be seen as a conquest or cause for nationalistic fervor. They should be seen as an opportunity to share what we have with others. This would be consistent with the original spirit that moved King Sejong to invent Hangeul for an illiterate people.
With this in mind, the Hunminjeongeum Research Institute should use the expression "sharing Hangeul" rather than "the globalization of Hangeul." Proud and patient sharing of our alphabet where it may be needed overseas is something we can hopefully all support.
5 comments:
I'm glad that a distinction is being made between using a writing system and promoting a language.
If the f, two th sounds, z, and v were reintroduced into Korean, it would go a long way toward making it more appropriate for this purpose.
That plus a way to designate when sound changes are NOT to occur (e.g., allowing μ λ‘ to be akro instead of angno)
That sounds nice, very political, even humanitarian-esque. But what about that crazy rich lady who blatantly stated she wants to "spread Hangul" and proliferate Korean culture?
How does she fit into the master plan?
By "crazy rich" I mean very rich and not crazy and rich.
Mr. Kim seems to have the right attitude. But I do have to question the idea that the Cia-Cia language is disappearing for lack of a writing system -- most languages in history have not had writing systems, and others go extinct (or nearly so) despite having rich literary traditions. For example - Yiddish, Scottish, Gaelic.
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