A comparative study of korean and sinhala polite expressions
Date
2018-04-03
Authors
Edirisooriya, E.A.I.R
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
With only fifty-year history of Korean language education in Sri Lanka, there is an increasing number of Sri Lankan Korean language learners who have developed the desire to study the Korean language. Most Sri Lankans have grown an interest in the Korean Language while enjoying the Korean culture through Korean Drama, Korean Songs and Movies. Initially, Sri Lankans were interested in the Korean Language and started learning the language as an effort to get employed in Korea. However, the purpose of learning Korean Language have been diversified since their interests are different. In order to make a close relationship between the two countries, to know the correct usage of honorific expressions is very useful. In this regard, this study examines the necessity of honorific expressions in the Korean language education in Sri Lanka and attempt to facilitate the learners to understand the differences between the polite expressions in Korean and Sinhala Languages. The Korean Honorific forms have become simplified compared to the way it was in the past. It is still complicated for nonnative Sri Lankan Speakers who are learning Korean Language. As polite expressions in both languages have different characteristics, students tend to make mistakes. Specially, honorific expressions can be identified as a grammar area where the students make many mistakes. Therefore, this study is aimed at making those students understand the differences and the similarities in polite expressions. The main objective of this study is to compare polite expressions between the Korean and Sinhala. In this study, ‘Politeness’ is categorized into two major parts. They are explicit polite expressions and implicit polite expressions. Korean polite expressions have been identified and categorized as follows; they are explicit polite expressions of postpositions, honorifics in pre final endings, honorifics of endings and honorifics in specific words. And the Sinhala languages explicit polite expressions are also categorized into honorifics in suffix, honorifics in plural, honorifics of postpositions and honorifics in special Sinhala words. Finally, this study explains the similarities and differences between Korean and Sinhala explicit expressions. Honorifics of endings can be seen in Korean Polite expressions. They can be categorized into six speech style forms dividing each with its own set of verb endings. In conclusion, this study will be useful to the Sri Lankan students to be fluent in communication with Korean Native Speakers building up wellmannered close relationship and respectful attitude towards successful communication.
Description
Keywords
Korean Language , Polite Expressions , Sinhala Language
Citation
Proceedings of the PGIHS Research Congress (PGIHS-RC-2018), University of Peradeniya, p.26