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.
Purpose and Cultural Role in the Hangul Script
Hangul was revolutionary for its inclusivity. Unlike Hanja, which required years of study, Hangul was so straightforward that even commoners could master it quickly. Its cultural and social impact was profound. Take a look at the historical use:
- Literacy for All: Hangul democratized literacy. It gave ordinary people a voice and making education accessible to the lower classes.
- Preservation of Korean Identity: At a time when Korea was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, Hangul reinforced Korea’s linguistic and cultural independence.
- Administrative Use: Hangul eventually became the standard for official documents and communication.
- Initially met with resistance from scholars who favored Hanja.
In conclusion: The Hangul Script survives
Hangul faced significant opposition from the elite class, who viewed it as a threat to their social status. For centuries, Hanja remained dominant in official contexts, while Hangul was used primarily by women, commoners, and in informal writing.
And finally, Hangul’s full potential was realized in the 20th century. It became the official script of Korea and a symbol of national pride. Today, South Korea celebrates Hangul Day on October 9th. And North Korea observes it on January 15th, honoring this remarkable invention. It has survived and is now celebrated.
There are several ancient human-made scripts whose creation can be traced to specific individuals, groups, or historical events. These scripts are attested in records, inscriptions, or historical accounts.
Read about more scripts in our blog: