This study investigates how the pronunciation of complex final consonants is presented in Korean language textbooks, with a particular focus on the relative neglect of pronunciation instruction in Korean language education. Although pronunciation is a...
This study investigates how the pronunciation of complex final consonants is presented in Korean language textbooks, with a particular focus on the relative neglect of pronunciation instruction in Korean language education. Although pronunciation is a critical component of language acquisition, it tends to receive less emphasis compared to grammar and vocabulary in both curriculum design and classroom instruction. Among pronunciation topics, complex final consonants pose particular difficulties for learners due to their irregular phonetic realizations and interaction with various phonological processes such as liaison, deletion, fortition, and liquidization. Five widely used textbooks in Korean language programs were analyzed to examine the methods of presentation, the selection of example words, and the alignment with the Standard Curriculum Model for Korean Language Education. The analysis revealed three major issues. First, there is a lack of consistency across textbooks in how complex final consonants are introduced. Some textbooks provide explicit explanations under a dedicated category, while others mention them only indirectly within the context of phonological rules. Second, example words related to complex final consonants are generally insufficient. As a result, learners tend to rely on rote memorization rather than gaining a structural understanding of pronunciation rules. Third, many textbooks fail to align their presentation of complex final consonants with the proficiency levels specified in the standard curriculum, either introducing them too early or omitting them at higher levels. These findings suggest a need for more systematic, level-appropriate, and context-rich pronunciation instruction, particularly for complex final consonants. While this study focuses on diagnosing the current state of textbook presentation, further research is needed to develop practical teaching methodologies and learner-centered approaches that effectively support the acquisition of complex consonant pronunciation in Korean.