This dissertation empirically examines language attitudes and language use patterns among the Korean diaspora community in Brazil, with a focus on generational and gender differences through both quantitative and qualitative analyses. While previous s...
This dissertation empirically examines language attitudes and language use patterns among the Korean diaspora community in Brazil, with a focus on generational and gender differences through both quantitative and qualitative analyses. While previous studies on the Korean diaspora have mainly centered on descriptive language surveys, this study addresses how cultural experiences, social networks, and historical conditions within specific social groups influence language attitudes and uses as its core research question.
A questionnaire survey was administered to 232 participants, with subsequent in-depth interviews was conducted for 60 respondents. This study employed a mixed-methods research, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses performed using Rbrul and SPPS programs, and QDA Miner, respectively. Specifically, Strauss & Corbin's (1990) paradigm model from grounded theory was applied to systematically analyze the sociocultural mechanisms of language attitude formation.
The results reveal distinct generational differences in language attitudes. The first generation showed strong Korean-centered identity and commitment to native language preservation, while the 1.5 generation exhibited identity conflicts and code-switching tendencies due to early exposure to bicultural experiences. The second generation actively adapted to Brazilian society and formed non-restrictive perspectives. In terms of language use, a clear language shift process was observed from the first to the second generation, with Korean utterance rates significantly decreasing, and Portuguese and mixed language use increasing. Generational differences were also evident in code-switching patterns, loan translation, and grammatical convergence. Gender differences in language attitudes were relatively minor compared to generational differences. However, qualitative analysis still revealed subtle yet discernible differences: male respondents showed practical and activity-oriented language attitudes, whereas female respondents showed introspective and relationship-oriented language attitudes.
This study empirically demonstrates that generational effects are a stronger predictor variable than gender effects in Korean diaspora communities in Brazil and validates the linkage between language attitudes and actual language use from multiple perspectives. Methodologically, the comprehensive investigation through a systematic integration of quantitative and qualitative analyses elucidated the complex characteristics of language attitudes. The findings provide meaningful implications for research on language maintenance and shift in minority language groups, language policy design in multicultural societies, and the interrelationship between language and social capital.
Keywords: Korean diaspora in Brazil, language attitudes, language use, generational differences, gender differences, mixed-methods research, language shift, code-switching, loan translation, grammatical convergence