한국에서의 한자병용에 대한 단상(斷想)

Abstract

Chinese characters can be regarded as part of Korean national legacy and intellectual resources. They already became one with Korean language, contributing to the formation of Korean mind-set and culture. Chinese writing system, which had spread over neighboring countries, played an important role in the writing practices of other countries. However, Chinese writing system used by other countries could not but be influenced and changed by the characteristics of each language. Thus, Chinese writing system in each country has been accompanied by unique features, i.e. unique pronunciation of Chinese characters and the formation of Sino-national vocabulary in each country. The general language policy of Korea after the liberation from the Japanese Rule, which has focused on the concept of "Pure Korean language," caused confusion in and conflict with the writing practices of Korean language. The conflict between the policy of pro-pure Korean language and that of pro-real writing practice has not only confused confusion but also degraded young generations' language practices. In order to upgrade young generations' ability to understand and control Korean language, it is necessary to make them recognize important functions of Chinese characters in Korean language. For this, I discuss some unique features of Sino-Korean vocabulary by comparing common words of East Asian countries: First, the change of semantic categories and referents of Sino-Korean words. Second, the changes of meanings of Sino-Korean words. Third, differences in style between old and new Sino-Korean words. Forth, the changes of emotional tones of Sino-Korean words. Fifth, the changes of sequences of characters in Sino-Korean words. Sixth, the generation of unique Korean vocabulary. Although we accept the need to use Chinese writing system together with Korean writing system, our prejudice prevent us from it. Our prejudice is as follows: First, the use of Chinese characters hinders the development of pure Korean words. Second, Chinese writing system is not efficient and prevent people from acquiring knowledge. Third, learning Chinese characters maximizes workload. Forth, the use of Chinese characters is retrospective. This article aims to shed light on the practical meaning of using Chinese characters in writing Sino-Korean words in order to improve our writing practices.