User:Mpak7/Jeju language

History:

Following World War II, Korea was divided between an American-backed government in the South and a Soviet-backed government in the North. Many residents of Jeju Island stood up against police brutality and fought for a unified Korean government. Approximately 30,000 residents were massacred by police, soldiers, and anti-Communists, killing one-tenth of the island's population. As a result, around 25,000 to 40,000 individuals fled to Japan. An enormous portion of the population of speakers of Jeju Island were eliminated.

Language Use:

The official language of South Korea is Standard Korean. Nearly all residents of Jeju Island are bilingual in Korean and Jeju Language. Many younger individuals are even more fluent in English than in Jeju Language. Standard Korean is most commonly used in the majority of public areas, while Jeju Language is reserved for use at home and a few local markets. All schools located on Jeju Island are required to teach Standard Korean and only offer Jeju Language as a non-mandatory extracurricular activity. As a result, there are currently no monolingual speakers of Jeju Island.

Attitudes and Opinions:

The Standard Korean language places a lot of emphasis on honourifics, as Korean culture is largely centred around being polite to elders. However, Jeju Language is often viewed to be less polite with the use of less honourifics and possess only four levels of politeness in comparison to the seven levels in Standard Korean. The younger generation, particularly students, especially believe that Jeju Language is not respectful enough to use with teachers, whereas Standard Korean is more sophisticated.

In addition, Jeju Language is often associated with the countryside, as the majority of speakers tend to have traditional occupations, including farming, fishing, and diving. As a result, many younger children express a disinterest in learning the language.

Language Documentation:

A revitalization project carried out in 2018 aimed to build a collection of audio and video recordings of Jeju Language being spoken by native speakers. These recordings documented everyday conversations, as well as traditional songs and rituals.

Revitalization Programs:

On August 12, 2011, the Research Centre for Jeju Studies was opened with the purpose of implementing projects for the revitalization and safeguarding of Jeju Language. The centre has implemented multiple projects and initiatives. Firstly, the project encouraged the promotion of Jeju Language in schools by tasking the Education Bureau with introducing several revitalization initiatives, including a training program for teachers. The project also started a radio broadcast in Jeju Language, as well as a radio campaign for Jeju slang and an annual Jeju Language festival. Furthermore, an iPhone application was developed, including a glossary, as well as a collection of proverbs, poems, and quizzes in Jeju Language. Finally, an introductory conversation brochure was distributed to both citizens and visitors of Jeju Island in order to encourage the use of the language.

The Language Act for Jejueo Conservation and Promotion also worked on a revitalization program for Jeju Language. The Act encouraged public schools on Jeju Island to offer Jeju Language as an extracurricular activity, as well as to incorporate the language as a part of regular classes if relevant and feasible. In addition, multiple programs were provided for adults, as well. For example, adult language programs are offered every year at the Jeju National University and are all completely free of charge. There are also several local centres on Jeju Island that offer classes in Jeju Language specifically to marriage-based immigrants.