2019, Vol.27, No.4

The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.57

pISSN : 1226-4822
https://journal.kci.go.kr/socioling

In this paper, while examining the entire vocabulary of Korean Basic Dictionary, the vocabulary list is presented by selecting the definitions related to the mouthfeel. The mouthfeel has 2 meanings. One is the sensible feeling you have when chewing food. And the second one is the feeling related to physical texture of the food. The meanings are divided into <surface texture>, <hardness>, <elasticity>, <viscosity>, <moistness>, <heat>. After examining how such qualities are related to food texture, the vocabulary list is categorized according to the main meaning features. We looked closely at how the vocabulary in each area is related to each other in each meaning’s field. In order to understand the relation of vocabulary more systematically, it was drawn into the segmented table. Through this observations, we tried to find out how the vocabulary related to the mouthfeel was developed.

Standardization of terminology cannot be treated lightly as it is extremely important for smooth communication with the public. In this paper, standardization of terminology conducted by central administrative agency based on article 17 of the Organic Law of Korean National Language is examined. Issues associated with the selection of target words for standardization and their refinement process are analyzed along with proper solutions. Currently, standardization of 523 terminologies from Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Ministry of Citizen’s Interest is officially announced. Types of terminology that needs to be standardized from the perspective of easiness include difficult Chinese words, foreign language, and abbreviated English words. Specific selection criteria is required, as determining what should be deemed difficult can be very subjective. This paper discusses consideration of intermediate level Korean words, classification of loanwords and foreign words, possibility of substitution with proper pure Korean words, and writing abbreviated English words with substitutable Korean words. In addition, the following methods of standardization are discussed: substituting with elementary level Korean words, expressing same meaning, avoiding word-for-word translation, not expressing all elements of meaning, taking account of whole usage of vocabulary, considering laws and policies of specialized area, selecting a representative from dozen, and re-writing foreign words with Korean words.

Despite the importance of the EPS-TOPIK(Employment Permit System-Test of Proficiency in Korean) exam for those who aim to work in Korea under the EPS system, not enough studies have been done on the subject of EPS-TOPIK exam and the official Textbook. In addition, studies on representation of nationality and skin color in textbooks are rare compared to such studies on gender representation. This study investigates the Textbook which hasn't been researched enough, on the matter of representation not only based on gender but also on nationality and skin color. This study analyzes the Textbook quantitatively with the focus on the 20 main characters and qualitatively on the illustrations and texts, and suggests that the Textbook should properly represent its users who intend to work in Korea under the EPS system. Stereotypes based on nationality, preference of so-called ‘Korean’ skin tone and gender inequality should be rejected. The chapter on sexual harrassment in workplace should be revised to go against victim-shaming and to contain helpful contents for sexual harrassment survivors.