『한국 근대 간행물 영문 사전』의 이용자 특징과 편찬 전략

Abstract

Encyclopedia of Modern Korean Publications is a specialized encyclopedia with encyclopedic characteristics aimed at foreigners interested in Korean studies. It is a translated work, transforming the Korean encyclopedia manuscript into English. This article was planned to derive user characteristics and discuss appropriate compilation strategies based on these characteristics, given the unique situation of adapting the content of a relatively specialized Korean studies encyclopedia into an English version for foreign users with relatively low background knowledge. A dictionary or encyclopedia is a type of media, usually planned and written by multiple experts and provided to users. In encyclopedia compilation, users should be the primary consideration in all stages of the process, including the planning of both the macro structure and micro structure, to minimize trial and error and ensure a certain level of quality. In compiling the Encyclopedia of Modern Korean Publications, the user level was identified and conceptualized as a ‘standard reader.’ The compilation process was then designed by considering the characteristics and perspective of this standard reader. During the process, the encyclopedia assumed users with limited background knowledge about Korea, as well as translators lacking expertise in Korean studies. The stages were divided as follows: ‘Writing the Korean manuscript, Reviewing and revising the Korean manuscript, Translating to English, Reviewing and proofreading the English manuscript, Final review.’ At each stage, principles and guidelines were established for those in charge to follow. Furthermore, for the English-translated manuscripts completed during the compilation process, user evaluations were conducted by American undergraduate students, who fit the profile of the ‘standard reader.’ The feedback was incorporated into the compilation process to enhance the quality of the encyclopedia and improve the user experience. This article also presents actual cases of English translation to help guide the future direction of the encyclopedia for overseas Korean studies majors and establish principles for the compilation of such works.