How different is modern Korean language from old Korean language?

As an experienced tutor specializing in Korean language coaching, I frequently encounter questions about the differences between modern Korean and old Korean. Let's delve into this linguistic evolution and explore the key disparities.

I. Historical Context:

• Korean language has a rich history, with its roots traced back to Old Korean (1st century BCE to 10th century CE).
• The language underwent significant changes during the Three Kingdoms and Goryeo Dynasty periods.

II. Linguistic Transformations:

• Phonetic Changes:

  • Old Korean featured distinct phonetic elements, and over time, there have been shifts in pronunciation.
  • Vowel and consonant changes contribute to the variance between old and modern Korean.

• Grammar Evolution:

  • Old Korean employed Classical Chinese grammar structures, but modern Korean utilizes a more simplified and native grammatical system.
  • Shifts in sentence structure and word order distinguish modern Korean from its ancient counterpart.

• Vocabulary Adaptations:

  • Lexical changes are prevalent, with modern Korean incorporating loanwords and evolving terminology.
  • The introduction of words from other languages has expanded and enriched the vocabulary.

III. Writing Systems:

• Hanja vs. Hangul:

  • Old Korean heavily relied on Hanja (Chinese characters) for writing.
  • The invention of Hangul in the 15th century brought about a phonetic script, simplifying the writing system.

• Modern Standardization:

  • The 20th century saw efforts to standardize the Korean language, leading to the promotion of a unified writing system.

IV. Cultural and Societal Influences:

• Foreign Influences:

  • External interactions and globalization have impacted modern Korean, introducing new linguistic elements.
  • Exposure to international languages has influenced expressions and idioms in contemporary Korean.

• Technology and Communication:

  • The digital age has brought about new terms and expressions related to technology and communication.
  • The language has adapted to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.

V. Conclusion: In conclusion, the evolution of the Korean language from its ancient form to the modern language spoken today is a fascinating journey marked by phonetic, grammatical, and lexical changes. As a dedicated tutor offering online coaching for the Korean language, I am well-equipped to guide learners through the intricacies of both historical and contemporary aspects of this captivating language.