Korean Homophones

 This week In English, we specifically focused on a piece that was contemporarily relatable to many of us. This was the short story “Words Don’t Mean What They Mean” by Steven Pinker. This was much different than the other pieces we had because of the authenticity and the shared experiences that could be connected to the audience. Specifically through the vivid examples used, I was able to create a more profound understanding of these terms. These terms, like a double entendre, pun or a malpropism, share an analogous intention, but possess a distinct meaning and effect which makes it so unique and interesting.


These elements are so heavily emphasized in Korean Language and Culture, with every word holding the power to compliment or insult someone. While in a perfunctory (a word I had no idea on yesterday’s SAT) manner this may not seem so, even to native Koreans, one quick scrutiny can evince the tension present in the language. The use of Korean homophones, which is very similar to puns, fabricates word play so easily; the same exact word can mean so many different things–just like many other Asian-based languages. For example, the word “배” is equivalent to 1.pear 2.stomach 3.boat. So if someone were to ask my “배” is hurt, it could mean my pear is hurt (which is most likely not the case), my stomach is hurt, or my boat is hurt/damaged. Consequently, the only way to correctly comprehend is through context: Korean is a language where your ability to imply separates you from others.


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