LGBTQIA+ 한국어 학습자의 한국어 학습 경험에 대한 현상학적 연구 = A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF LGBTQIA+ KOREAN LEARNERS

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study aims to clarify the meaning and the essence of LGBTQIA+ Korean learners‘ experiences and to understand their learner identity. The essence of the Korean language learning experience of LGBTQIA+ learners identified through this study is as follows. Individual experiences showed that learners’ queerness influenced their Korean language learning, with a focus on inclusion amid psychological challenges. In Korean language classrooms, that there was no mention of LGBTQIA+ people, the atmosphere did not allow the learners to come out, and there were homophobic classmates. In the Korean language and textbooks, a gender difference was evident, though it may be less pronounced than in other languages. Korean learners found that queer terms were needed and suggested solutions for improving the Korean language textbooks.
Based on these three essences, this study intends to reveal the following. Korean learners have diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and gender could fluctuate across a spectrum. Learners’ queerness affects Korean language learning. The psychological pressure to conceal one’s identity can inhibit learners’ willingness to invest in language learning, even those with intellectual curiosity. Inclusion should be emphasized in classrooms and textbooks, and referencing LGBTQIA+ in Korean classrooms should be less feared and tabooed. The classroom atmosphere should allow LGBTQIA+ learners to come out to the instructors, and tutors should be able to stop classmates’ homophobic words and actions. It should be noted that the Korean language has features that could be affected by gender and that these features could encourage or discourage learners’ investment in language learning. Queer terms in Korean and substitutes for the terms “형, 누나, 오빠, 언니” should be taken into account. Attention should be paid to alternatives for improving Korean language textbooks, as suggested by the learners.