Middle Korean

Definition

Middle Korean refers to the stage of the Korean language that was spoken and written from the 10th to the 16th centuries. This period is crucial for understanding the evolution of the Korean writing system, as it saw the development of both Hanja and Hangul, shaping how the language was represented and used in literature and daily life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Middle Korean was characterized by a range of phonetic changes that distinguish it from Old Korean and Modern Korean, including vowel shifts and consonant mutations.
2. The first documented use of Hangul was in 1443, during the reign of King Sejong the Great, marking a pivotal moment in Middle Korean history.
3. Literature during the Middle Korean period included works such as 'The Tale of Hong Gildong' and 'The Story of Sim Cheong,' which are significant for their use of both Hanja and early forms of Hangul.
4. During this time, there were debates among scholars regarding the use of Hanja versus Hangul, highlighting cultural tensions between traditional Confucian ideals and the push for a more accessible written language.
5. The transition from Middle Korean to Modern Korean involved significant linguistic reforms, including standardization of pronunciation and grammar that occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Review Questions

• How did Middle Korean contribute to the development of Hanja and Hangul as writing systems?
  • Middle Korean served as a transitional phase between Old Korean and Modern Korean, showcasing the linguistic features that would influence writing systems. During this period, Hanja was widely used for scholarly texts while Hangul was developed to improve literacy. The coexistence of these two systems during Middle Korean reflects a significant cultural shift towards making written communication more accessible to all Koreans.
• What were some notable literary works produced in Middle Korean, and how did they reflect the language's characteristics?
  • Notable literary works from the Middle Korean period include 'The Tale of Hong Gildong' and 'The Story of Sim Cheong.' These works exhibit characteristics of Middle Korean through their mixed use of Hanja and early Hangul. They also highlight themes prevalent during this time, such as social justice and family loyalty, showcasing how language influenced storytelling and cultural expression.
• Evaluate the impact of King Sejong's creation of Hangul on the societal dynamics of Korea during the Middle Korean period.
  • King Sejong's creation of Hangul had a transformative impact on society during the Middle Korean period by democratizing literacy. Before Hangul's introduction, literacy was primarily limited to those who could read Hanja, often educated elites. The new alphabet allowed common people to read and write their language for the first time, fostering greater access to education, enabling more diverse voices in literature, and promoting cultural identity among Koreans.

Related terms

Hanja: Hanja are Chinese characters used in the Korean language, primarily before the widespread adoption of Hangul. They were essential for writing and scholarly works during Middle Korean.

Hangul: Hangul is the native alphabet of Korea, created in the 15th century. It was designed to improve literacy among common people and is a significant advancement from previous writing systems.

Old Korean: Old Korean refers to the earliest stage of the Korean language, used before Middle Korean, which provides insights into linguistic development and historical context.