IMF crisis
Joined: 27 Mar 2008
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 Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject: Koreans not proud enough of Hangeul, Jikji |
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http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200810/200810110003.html
From the Chosun Ilbo:
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Jikji and Hangeul, Both World Heritages and Yet Unknown in Korea
If asked about their knowledge regarding Korea, most Americans would respond with answers about the Korean War or the adoption of orphans. Or, thanks to the Korean Wave, some would mention popular television shows, movies or entertainers. But if I were to ask the students at Adroit College, a Korean language and culture program that I founded and now manage, most respondents would think of Hangeul and Jikji. Even before beginning to learn Korean, students watch videos on Hangeul and Jikji, which are included on UNESCO�s Memory of the World Register and in the names of prizes given by the organization.
After watching the videos, the students said they were impressed that Hangeul is so scientific and logical. The shape of each letter in Hangeul represents the shape of the mouth when pronouncing that letter. Adding an additional stroke to a basic letter indicates more intense pronunciations and diphthongs. The video about Jikji is even more striking. The world�s oldest existing document printed with movable metal type, Jikji is kept at the National Library of France, and the students asked angrily why the Korean government was not doing anything to get it back.
Another thing these two treasures have in common is that despite their being the most precious cultural inheritances of Korea, they are not much cherished or appreciated by Koreans. Hangeul is regarded as the best alphabet in the world; UNESCO grants the King Sejong Award to individuals making contributions to the elimination of illiteracy. History�s first metal type was invented in Korea. It is one of the best inventions of all mankind, as acknowledged by UNESCO when it named after it a prize awarded to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the preservation of documentary heritage. Many Koreans are not even aware of this. It is strongly hoped that Jikji Day on September 4 and Hangeul Day on October 9 be observed by Koreans with great pride.
The column was contributed by Koo Eun-hee, the president of Adroit College in the U.S.
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I for one am tired of running in to so many Koreans who are not aware of how great Hangeul is. |
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