By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Yomna Magdy
Photos = Wikipedia
Korea.net Honorary reporter Baradise El Deeb has written about the story of Hangeul, showing the purpose behind its invention and its effects on Korea in decreasing the illiteracy rate. I could not help but to second her last sentence: "King Sejong, thank you for creating Hangeul!"
After reading her article, I wanted to thank the Koreans as well for preserving their language and traditions until now, in spite of the challenges that were against this preservation.
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| Korea has kept its language against all odds, even under colonization. |
Korea's language was threatened twice. This first happened when Japan colonized Korea following a policy of eradicating Korean traditions and replacing them with Japanese ones. Under Japanese rule, Koreans struggled to maintain their traditions and literature, as the Japanese had burned many historical documents and even banned the teaching of the Korean language and of Korean history. Not only had they tried to erase their history, but they forced the Japanese language to be used, too, and prohibited the usage of Korean language. Speaking Korean in Korea was no longer allowed. It was officially illegal.
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| The Japanese language is taught in Korean public schools during colonial times. |
Despite the efficiency of Japan's policy, the Koreans did not fall for it. They did not let go of their history or their language and traditions. In March 1919, the Koreans organized a demonstration that took place across Korea to proclaim their rights and to fight for independence. During this movement, over 7,000 people were killed by the Japanese soldiers, yet this did not stop them as they knew how valuable their country was. Neither the movement nor their lives were in vain, as in 1945 Korea has finally granted its independence when Japan had lost control over Korea.
Later on, Korea was occupied by the U.S. for a trusteeship, yet the Koreans carefully preserved their traditions, their language and their literature, regardless of whoever the colonizer was. This can be traced down to present times, too, as Korea is now facing a sharp increase in the number of tourists and non-Koreans who want to pursue their career in Korea. You will notice that the Koreans are not that shaken by the West, but instead it is the non-Koreans who are learning Korean and following Korean customs.
Therefore, Korean traditions and language are still alive thanks to the people who were aware of the importance of their heritage and were determined to hold on to it and to pass it down to following generations.
wisdom117@korea.kr
