Morpho-Phonological Patterns of Recent Korean Neologisms

DOI

10.2991/assehr.k.210225.012How to use a DOI?

Keywords

neologism, coinage, acronym, code-switching, SNS, Yaminjeongeum, Korean writing system

Abstract

This paper analyzes the morpho-phonological patterns of recent Korean neologisms used in SNS text messages. To this end, we use the data appearing in recent newspapers and online dictionaries showing the most recent usages since 2017. During the discussion, we categorize the data into several groups and show the statistical distribution, demonstrating the dominant preference of the acronyms. We also argue that the acronyms can be coined, based not only on syllables but also on consonants including the so-called “zero” consonant <o>. We claim that this unique consonantal acronym is possible due to the unique Korean writing system which goes back to the 15th century. Furthermore, the unique graphic characteristics of the Korean writing system is reflected in a new trendy neologism, so called “Yaminjeongeum”, creating those words whose orthographic forms look similar to the original words only in shape, without carrying any meaning. Finally, we conclude the paper by claiming that the main tendencies in recent neologisms can be defined as a new bilingualism as the youngsters occasionally code-switch between standard usages and neologisms. This new trend is basically initiated by the school children and teenagers. They enjoy using the newly coined words to highlight homogeneity, i.e., for sense of closeness within a peer group. In some cases, moreover, they also enjoy the vulgarity of slang.

Copyright

© 2021, the Authors. Published by Atlantis Press.

Open Access

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Ahn Sang-Cheol
AU  - Kyunney Egorova
PY  - 2021
DA  - 2021/02/26
TI  - Morpho-Phonological Patterns of Recent Korean Neologisms
BT  - Proceedings of the conference on current problems of our time: the relationship of man and society (CPT 2020)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 62
EP  - 72
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210225.012
DO  - 10.2991/assehr.k.210225.012
ID  - Sang-Cheol2021
ER  -