농인 결혼이주여성 대상 한국어교육 정책의 필요성에 대한 일고(一考)

Abstract

This study aims to advocate for the necessity of Korean language education policies for Deaf migrant women who are married to Koreans. To achieve this, the study examines the challenges faced by these women during their adaptation process in Korea, the current status of Korean language education provided to them, and the relevant laws and regulations related to such educational policies. The findings reveal that learning Korean is essential for Deaf migrant women to settle and adapt to Korean society, a fact that they are well aware of, and they exhibit high motivation for learning the language. As of 2021, Korean language and culture education programs for Deaf migrant women are being operated by the Cheonan Multicultural Family Support Center and the Seoul Deaf Learning Center. Additionally, although the details of this program are currently unclear, there was a program run by the Daegu Deaf Association in 2014. Despite the legal frameworks provided by the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act, the Multicultural Families Support Act, and the Act on the Treatment of Foreigners Residing in Korea, there are currently no specific Korean language education policies targeting Deaf migrant women. The absence of such policies hampers their stable settlement and adaptation to Korean society, leading to issues in child-rearing and family communication, ultimately resulting in the failure of social integration policies. To establish and implement effective Korean language education policies for Deaf migrant women, a comprehensive survey on their current conditions is necessary. This should involve the participation of experts in Korean language education, multiculturalism, sign language, and healthcare, to create policies that consider the unique characteristics of this group.