Korean L2 learners’ perception and production of Vietnamese tones

This study investigated the production and perception of Vietnamese tones by Korean second language (L2) learners [n = 11], comparing their performance in an Imitation task to that in Identification and Read-Aloud tasks. The results showed that the Imitation task was generally easier for Korean speakers than the Identification and Read-Aloud tasks, suggesting that imitation was performed without some of the skills required by the other two tasks. The result on tonal F0 range and speakers’ tonal range showed that the Korean leaners have significantly narrower tonal F0 range than control Vietnamese speakers [n = 11]. The results of error pattern analysis and tonal transcription in this study also suggested the effects of phonetic realizations of lexical tones in Vietnamese that are in interaction with language transfer from Korean phonology.

Are Phonetically Similar Korean Words Also Semantically Similar?

In connection with the recent research trend in sound-meaning regularity, this article takes several novel approaches. In an effort to extend the current scope to non-European languages, the study focuses on Korean, including its comparatively new orthography. By choosing 74 Swadesh words as its sample, it not only looks at fundamental aspect of the language, but also facilitates future research to compare various languages. To measure them more precisely, criteria for Korean phonology and orthography were created. For semantic distances, Latent Semantic Analysis was used considering its ability to capture authentic dynamics of language. A significant, negative correlation was found between sounds and meanings as well as orthography and meanings, particularly within the semantic space of younger readers. Distinct sounds to indicate potentially confusing objects are considered to be an adaptive mechanism for children to acquire language. The study also numerically revealed how well Korean orthography represents its sounds.