Blog Post #7 - Unit 9 (Languages)

Should Korea have more than one official language?

As time goes by, the importance of English is becoming bigger and bigger in Korea. Maybe almost Korean parents want their children to be fluent in foreign languages. So, some children start to learn English when they are very young. Even they go to a special kindergarten using only English in all process. So, several people say that English can be used as an official language in Korea. However, Korea does not need to have more than one official language because it can bring lots of problems in various parts.

The first reason why more official languages are not needed is that it may cause some social confusion. It includes diverse categories such as region, culture, or education. For example, Belgium use 3 official languages, which are French, German, and Dutch. Although Belgians are in same area, they are undergoing regional conflict and regionalism caused by respective language. Usually, people living in northern area use Dutch and others living in southern area use French. Although the government has tried the public to share their culture each other, they are still separated.

Another reason is that it can destroy the value and existence of Hangeul (Korean alphabet). Disappearing of aboriginal culture in Australia can be recognized as a similar case. Before the invasion of Britain, the aboriginal people made their life with their own way. They had their own language, culture and social system. However, the invaders tried to remove native culture from Aborigine after the aggression. The Aborigine could not use their language. Instead, they were forced to use English. As a result, the aboriginal culture in Australia faded away and now the Australia is trying to preserve the culture.

Furthermore, it leads to incur a lot of cost and take time. If Korea decides to have more than one official language, it will bring a situation that covers expense in many parts. In education and culture, money will be required to teach the new language to people and facilities in new official language will be needed. Moreover, it will take a long time to adapt to new word. Especially, the middle-aged and the elders will require more time than young people. While some people say that it is worth spending money and time socially and economically, it will cause great inconvenience for many people.

        In the cultural, social and economic respect, there is no reason that Korea should have more than one official language. Rather than having more official language, it will be better to find a way to preserve and develop Hangeul well.