What is the ancient human-made Hangul script?

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What is the ancient human-made Hangul script?
The Hangul Script: A Brilliant Human-Made Writing System

Hangul (한글), the Korean script, is one of the most celebrated examples of a scientifically designed writing system. Created in 1443 CE during the reign of King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty. It was officially introduced to the public in 1446 through the publication of Hunminjeongeum (“The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People”). Hangul stands out as a writing system deliberately crafted to make reading and writing accessible to all. Hangul allowed the breaking away from the reliance on the complex Chinese characters (Hanja) used in Korea at the time.

Key points to note in The Hangul Script 

  • Created By: King Sejong the Great and his scholars in the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon).
  • Date: 1443 – 1446 AD.
  • Details:
    • Designed to be a simple and logical script for the Korean language, replacing the use of Classical Chinese.
    • Consists of 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels.
  • Attestation: The “Hunminjeongeum” (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People) document explains the script’s creation and principles.
  • Alphabet Design: Hangul consists of 14 basic consonantsand 10 vowels, with additional combined forms creating a total of 40 letters.
  • Interesting fact!: Shape and Articulation: The shapes of the consonants are based on the position of the tongue, lips, and throat when pronouncing them, making it highly intuitive. For example:
    • ㅁ (m) represents the shape of the mouth.
    • ㄴ (n) depicts the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
  • Syllabic Blocks: Hangul letters are arranged into square syllabic blocks, each representing one syllable. This layout mirrors the look of Chinese characters but is far easier to learn and use.

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What are language acquisition theories?(3)

What Are Language Acquisition Theories? (3)

3. Cognitive Theories

a. Information Processing Model

Key Idea: Language learning works like other cognitive skills, relying on attention, memory, and practice.
Implications: Learners develop automaticity—using language effortlessly—through repeated practice and meaningful exposure.

b. Noticing Hypothesis (Schmidt)

Key Idea: Learners must actively notice linguistic features in input to acquire them.
Implications: Teaching should highlight specific grammar rules, vocabulary, or pronunciation patterns to enhance awareness.

c. Transfer Theory

Key Idea: Learners apply knowledge from their first language (L1) when learning a second language (L2). This transfer can help or hinder progress.
Implications: Teachers should recognize both positive and negative language transfers to support effective learning.

Conclusion

Language acquisition is a complex process that involves both biological and environmental factors. Theories such as Nativism, Social Interactionism, Connectionism, and Emergentism each offer unique perspectives on how people acquire their first language. While the Nativist approach highlights innate abilities, the Social Interactionist theory emphasizes the role of communication. Meanwhile, Connectionism focuses on repeated exposure, and the Emergentist theory blends multiple influences. By understanding these perspectives, linguists, educators, and researchers can develop more effective language teaching methods.

In the next part, we will explore additional theories on  language acquisition. Stay tuned! (more…)

Continue ReadingWhat are language acquisition theories?(3)