The Korean Alphabet: Its History and Structure (Klear Textbooks in Korean Language) [Paperback]

Young-Key Kim-Renaud (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0824817230 | ISBN-13: 978-0824817237 | Publication Date: February 28, 2002

The Korean alphabet, commonly known as han'gul, has been called one of the greatest intellectual achievements of humankind. Experts agree that few writing systems can match its simplicity and efficiency, its elegance and intelligence.

The only alphabet completely native to East Asia, han'gul distinguishes itself among writing systems of the world with its scientific qualities and unusual linguistic fit to the Korean language. Most strikingly, the theoretical underpinnings of the language, as well as the time and circumstances of its creation, are clearly known and recorded. Han'gul was invented in 1443 and promulgated in 1446 by King Sejong (1418-1450), sage ruler of the Yi dynasty (1392-1910).

This volume, the first book-length work on han'gul in English by Korean-language specialists, is comprised of ten essays by the most active scholars of the Korean writing system. An instructive commentary by eminent linguist Samuel Martin folows, offering perceptive comments on the essays as well as a discussion on Martin's own research findings on the script.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press (February 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824817230
• ISBN-13: 978-0824817237
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,132,918 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Hangul, September 8, 1999

By 

Trevor Hill (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Korean Alphabet: Its History and Structure (Hardcover)

This book is a collection of interesting papers on the history and construction of hangul. Most of these are really interesting to read, as they go into depth on current and past debates about the origins of hangul, and the history of its usage up to the present day... There is everything from explanations of the consideration of classical chinese linguistics and taoism in the structure of hangul, to the differences in spelling conventions between the north and south, and how they have come about... Very interesting book for anyone who thinks hangul is an amazing writing system, and simply wants to know more about it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what is needed, January 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Korean Alphabet: Its History and Structure (Klear Textbooks in Korean Language) (Paperback)

This is a fantastic work, covering exactly the subjects of interest to a person wanting to know details about one of the great cultural achievements in Asian history. In the case of the Canaanite alphabet that lies behind nearly all the alphabets we are familiar with, little is known about the thinking that went into the invention nearly four thousand years ago. Not so in the Korean case. Same remarkable achievement, but with considerable historical record covering the event. There are nevertheless myths attached to it, and this book among other things helps one to sort out carefully fact from fiction. A superb achievement in its own right!

4 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Hardly Korean...try gibberish, May 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Korean Alphabet: Its History and Structure (Hardcover)

This book was a gigantic disappointment. I expected it to provide me with insight into the beauty of the Korean Language. I was entranced by a comment describing wonderful articles and distinct chronologies. Overall, however, I found myself angered and annoyed with what was a rude awakening to one's woman's desire to embarass a rich culture with trite. I think Ms. Kim-Reneau needs to spend less time boring the reader, and more time researching her material.