The purpose of this study is to contrast the patterns of extended use of kinship terms in Korean and Vietnamese and investigate the actual perceptions of language users in each discourse situation. The adopted research method involves surveying the pe...
The purpose of this study is to contrast the patterns of extended use of kinship terms in Korean and Vietnamese and investigate the actual perceptions of language users in each discourse situation. The adopted research method involves surveying the perceptions of Vietnamese native speakers using a questionnaire. Initially, the study classifies the kinship terms that are widely used in Korean and Vietnamese, and subsequently analyzes the patterns of extended use of each kinship terms.
In Chapter 1, the study discusses the need for this research, introducing the demand and supply situation in the current Korean language education market in Vietnam. It also reviews previous studies on the extended use of kinship terms in Korean and Vietnamese, categorizing them into four groups: studies on trends in Korean language research in Vietnamese-speaking regions, contrastive studies on kinship terms and terms of address, studies on the extended use of kinship terms, and studies on language and culture of Korea and Vietnam.
Chapter 2 discusses the classification systems of kinship terms in both countries and their extended use. It organizes the systems of Korean and Vietnamese kinship terms, compares them, and approaches the patterns of extended use in a similar manner.
Chapter 3 outlines the research method, focusing on the main research tasks. The procedure involves limiting the scope of analysis and designing the research method. Before implementing the questionnaire method used in this study, a preliminary survey was conducted to enhance the accuracy of the research.
In Chapter 4, the actual collected survey responses are analyzed. Section 1 establishes criteria for item analysis through an analysis of responses from all participants, and classifies the extended use patterns of kinship terms in detail through the analysis of each item. Section 2 classifies the results based on usage patterns, summarizes the analysis for each category, and, finally, Section 3 draws implications from contrasting extended use patterns of kinship terms in Korean. Chapter 5 presents the conclusion of this study, organizing the entire discussion covered.
The analysis reveals that in Vietnamese, the extended use of kinship terms between non-kin conversational participants is determined by the age difference between the parties, which differs from Korean. In Korean, there is a distinct tendency to prioritize the age of the listener when selecting vocabulary. In Vietnamese, vocabulary selection tends to vary based on the age difference between the speaker and the listener.
Additionally, specific kinship terms show different usage patterns depending on discourse situations and contexts, while some exhibit similar patterns. Representative examples of the former include the terms “동생” and “em”, “할아버지” and “ông”, and “할머니” and “bà” in Korean and Vietnamese, respectively. In Korean, “동생” is rarely used as an expression of address for a younger sibling, whereas in Vietnamese, “em” is actively used. Conversely, it is considered unremarkable to use “할아버지” or “할머니” in Korean, while there is a tendency in Vietnamese that it is rare to use “ông” and “bà”.
And the examples of the latter, “오빠” and “anh”, exhibit unique usage patterns, particularly in romantic relationships in both language contexts. “오빠” and its counterpart “anh” are often used by an older female to address a younger lover or husband. It is not even uncommon for a younger male to use the term “em” to address his older romantic partner or wife in Vietnamese.
In recent years, due to the spread of Korean language education and the influence of the Korean Wave, exchanges between the two language communities have become more active. In this context, understanding the linguistic and cultural differences between Korean and Vietnamese is crucial for Vietnamese learners of Korean. This study aims to provide useful information to Korean learners, establish a foundation for the effective teaching of kinship terms, and serve as an essential tool in promoting ther cross-cultural understanding and communication between Korea and Vietnam.