@article{ART003202334},
author={JUNYOUNG KIM},
title={Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China},
journal={Journal of Manchurian Studies},
issn={1738-3668},
year={2025},
number={39},
pages={59-81}
TY - JOUR
AU - JUNYOUNG KIM
TI - Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China
JO - Journal of Manchurian Studies
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 39
PB - The Manchurian Studies Association
SP - 59
EP - 81
SN - 1738-3668
AB - Chinese language education during the Joseon Dynasty developed into a relatively comprehensive system encompassing educational institutions, administrative oversight, teaching methodologies, interpreter training, and textbook compilation. Accordingly, research on Chinese language training in this period provides not only a comprehensive under standing of its historical practices but also valuable reference materials for modern foreign language education.
This study examines the operations and educational practices of the Sa-yeok-won (司譯院), a government bureau during the Joseon Dynasty, with particular attention to student recruitment, instructional methods, and measures for managing interpreters. Students at the institution began their training at a young age and were taught through real-world immersion. They were required to master accurate Chinese pronunciation under strict language policies that banned the use of Korean. To further strengthen their speaking abilities, the U-eo-cheong (偶語廳), a specialized conversation course, was the bureau cultivated cultural learning—including Confucian studies and history—aimed at developing the cultural competence of diplomatic interpreters.
Management practices for students and interpreters included attendance monitoring (wonjeom system), cumulative grading, and a structured reward-and-penalty framework. Over its 500-year history, the Sa-yeok-won trained a steady stream of interpreters and played a vital role in promoting diplomatic and cultural exchanges between Joseon and China. The bureau’s strategies present striking parallels with modern foreign language education, offering valuable reference materials for future educational development.
KW - Sa-yeok-won;Chinese language training;diplomatic interpreter training;government interpreter system;Joseon-China diplomatic relations
DO -
UR -
ER -
JUNYOUNG KIM. (2025). Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China. Journal of Manchurian Studies, 39, 59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM. 2025, "Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China", Journal of Manchurian Studies, no.39, pp.59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM "Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China" Journal of Manchurian Studies 39 pp.59-81 (2025) : 59.
JUNYOUNG KIM. Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China. 2025; 39 : 59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM. "Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China" Journal of Manchurian Studies no.39(2025) : 59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM. Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China. Journal of Manchurian Studies, 39, 59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM. Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China. Journal of Manchurian Studies. 2025; 39 59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM. Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China. 2025; 39 : 59-81.
JUNYOUNG KIM. "Chinese Language Instruction and the Training of Interpreters at the Sa-yeok-won for Diplomatic Relations with Ming and Qing China" Journal of Manchurian Studies no.39(2025) : 59-81.
