The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the narrative characteristics of shared folktake types found in Korean and Vietnamese folktales, and to propose Korean reading instruction methods for Vietnamese learners of Korean based on these sim...
The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the narrative characteristics of shared folktake types found in Korean and Vietnamese folktales, and to propose Korean reading instruction methods for Vietnamese learners of Korean based on these similarities. Folktales constitute a literary genre that reflects a society’s history, values, and cultural characteristics, and can therefore be effectively utilized not only for language education but also for enhancing cultural understanding and reading competence. In particular, comparative activities that focus on shared narrative structures and motifs between learners’ native folktales and Korean folktales can contribute to improving comprehension and strengthening learners’ motivation. However, previous studies on the use of folktales in Korean language education have largely focused on individual text analysis or cultural introduction, and systematic research that analyzes similarities between Korean and Vietnamese folktales and applies them to reading instruction remains insufficient.
Accordingly, this study selected folktales of shared types from Korea and Vietnam and classified them into three categories – myths, legends, and folktales – followed by an analysis of both their similarities and differences. The research materials include the Korean folktales <Dangun Myth>, <The Legend of Wisteria>, <Kongjwi Patjwi>, as well as the Vietnamese folktales <Hong Bang Thi truyen>, <The Legend of Trau Cau>, <Tam Cam>. These folktales are representative works of each country and share common narrative features such as origin narratives, family relationships, and narrative structures centered on overcoming trials and reaching a conclusion, making them suitable for comparative analysis.
In terms of research methodology, this study first examined the concept and characteristics of folktales and reviewed their educational value in Korean language education from linguistic, cultural, and reading education perspectives. It then compared Korean and Vietnamese folktales by type – myths, legends, and folktales – focusing on shared patterns of narrative development, character configuration, and major motifs. Differences between the folktales of the two countries were considered as supplementary elements for understanding their respective social-cultural backgrounds, while the primary analytical focus was placed on identifying shared elements applicable to Korean reading instruction.
The analysis revealed that Korean and Vietnamese folktales share common narrative structures and value systems across each folktale type. In myths, narratives explaining the origins of the nation appear in similar forms; in legends, social norms centered on family relationships are prominently reflected; and in folktales, narrative structures involving repeated trials and the process of overcoming them show strong similarities. These shared features facilitate learners’ use of prior knowledge of their native folktales to better understand Korean folktales.
Based on these findings, this study proposes Korean reading instruction methods utilizing folktale comparison for Vietnamese learners. Folktales were first reconstructed to suit learners’ proficiency levels and developed into reading materials. In addition, lessons were designed according to pre-, while-, and post-reading stages, incorporating activities that encourage learners to recognize similarities and differences while focusing primarily on shared elements. Through comparative activities between Korean and Vietnamese folktales, learners can engage in reading more actively and enhance both their Korean reading competence and cultural understanding in an integrated manner.
This study is significant in that it applies a similarity-oriented approach, rather than emphasizing differences, to Korean reading education through the comparison of Korean and Vietnamese folktales. The findings demonstrate that folktales can be expanded beyond simple reading materials to serve as integrated instructional resources for language and culture. Future research should continue to explore folktale-based comparative instructional methods while considering diverse learner proficiency levels and educational contexts.