Faculty Project: Language Transcription for the Korean Language Program
Faculty Director: Prof. Hi-Sun Kim, Senior Preceptor in Korean Director of the Korean Language Program, Dept. of EALC
This past summer, I transcribed recorded audio of spoken data of Korean language learners and analyzed the data collection to examine, assess, and identify patterns in language acquisition of Korean language learners through the current curriculum. As a joint concentrator in Classics and Linguistics with a language citation in Korean, the Language Transcription for the Korean Language Program perfectly aligned with my academic interests and offered the opportunity to pursue my studies beyond the classroom. Specifically, this project was a perfect experience to encounter a linguistics component of language acquisition while enhancing my own Korean language skills in a non-conventional way. I had the opportunity to transcribe and analyze recordings of students who took progressively advanced level courses, which allowed me to closely examine any patterns in their language acquisition over time. Meaningful interactions with Professor Kim and my own independent analysis allowed me to better navigate my own Korean language skills and gain deeper insight into concepts I otherwise would not have been able to explore further. Not only was I able to satiate my curiosity regarding the patterns in language acquisition, but I was also able to reflect on the applications of the findings in my own experience of learning Korean while growing up as well as while taking Korean language classes at Harvard. I also found it fascinating that my research reflected core concepts in Linguistics – specifically the fundamental stages in language acquisition for all language learners given our innate universal grammar. This project not only combined my studies of interests but also broadened my acquaintance with new research methods, tools, and data, which taught me new concepts and necessary skills essential to preparing for my future studies, thesis, and research opportunities. My research experience has further expanded my perspective within both areas of study –linguistics and Korean – and has excited me to pursue my curiosities with an open mind. I am happy to have been able to contribute to the improvement of the current curriculum to better suit the needs of students who wish to learn and advance their Korean language skills. I am grateful for the support the Korea Institute has provided me with, as this year’s research has made me more passionate about my courses and exploring different types of research going forward.