Exploring a Linguistic Landmark: A Reference Grammar of Korean
For scholars and students of East Asian languages, finding comprehensive resources in Western languages can be a significant challenge. One of the most monumental achievements in this field is A Reference Grammar of Korean, a massive work by the late linguist Samuel E. Martin. Published in 1992, this book serves as an exhaustive guide to both the contemporary structure and the deep historical roots of the Korean language.
Whether you are interested in how modern Korean functions or how it evolved from its Middle Korean origins, this text remains a cornerstone of linguistic study. It is widely regarded as one of the few significant treatises on Korean historical linguistics written in a Western language.
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Key Facts
- Author: Samuel E. Martin, a leading authority on East Asian linguistics.
- Scope: Covers both contemporary and historical Korean linguistics.
- Length: A massive 1,032-page volume.
- Romanization: Utilizes the Yale romanization system developed by the author.
- Structure: Divided into a linguistic discussion section and a 540-page "Grammatical Lexicon."
The Author and His Legacy
Samuel E. Martin was a distinguished figure in the field of linguistics. After earning his PhD from Yale University in 1950, he specialized in East Asian linguistics, quickly becoming a preeminent expert in the study of Korean and Japanese languages. His expertise was not merely theoretical; in the 1950s, he developed the Yale romanization system—a method of representing Korean sounds using the Latin alphabet—which is used throughout this book.
The publication of this grammar was the culmination of decades of meticulous research. Martin began compiling extensive files on Korean grammar and history as early as the 1950s. By the 1980s, he had transitioned into full-time research regarding Middle Korean (the form of the language used in historical texts) and utilized early computer software to manage and retrieve complex linguistic data.
A Comprehensive Structural Overview
The book is organized into two distinct, highly detailed sections designed to serve different research needs:
1. Linguistic Analysis and Evolution
The first section provides an in-depth look at various topics within Korean linguistics. A defining feature of this section is its temporal scope; Martin does not just describe how the language works today, but frequently discusses how various grammatical elements have evolved from Middle Korean to the present day.
2. The Grammatical Lexicon
The second section is a massive, 540-page alphabetized listing of grammatical elements. This "Grammatical Lexicon" acts as a specialized dictionary for the mechanics of the language, allowing researchers to look up specific grammatical components with precision.
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Academic Reception and Complexity
While the book is hailed as a monumental achievement in Western linguistics, it is noted for its extreme density. Linguist Ross King has praised the work but also noted that it is quite difficult to navigate. According to King, the text is so complex that it might require a semester-long graduate seminar just to teach students how to use the book effectively.
Interestingly, while the book is a pillar of Western scholarship, it is relatively little known within Korea itself. For many years, it held the distinction of being the only major English-language work on Korean historical linguistics, a status it maintained until the release of A History of the Korean Language in 2011.
Book Specifications Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Samuel E. Martin |
| Publication Year | 1992 |
| Publisher | Charles E. Tuttle Company |
| Total Pages | 1,032 |
| ISBN | 0-8048-1887-8 (1st edition) |
| Genre | Linguistics, Historical Linguistics |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yale romanization system?
The Yale romanization is a system used to transcribe Korean sounds into the Latin alphabet. It was developed by Samuel E. Martin in the 1950s and is the primary method used for transcription within this book.
Does the book cover ancient forms of Korean?
Yes. One of the book's primary strengths is its coverage of historical linguistics, including discussions on how the language has changed from Middle Korean to its modern form.
Is this book suitable for beginners?
Due to its depth and complexity, the book is generally considered a high-level academic resource. Some experts suggest that students may need specialized training or a graduate-level seminar to use the text effectively.
How is the book organized?
The book is split into two main parts: a section covering various linguistic topics and historical evolutions, and a 540-page alphabetized "Grammatical Lexicon" for looking up specific elements.
What is the significance of the "Grammatical Lexicon"?
The Grammatical Lexicon is a massive, alphabetized reference section that occupies over half of the book, providing a detailed breakdown of grammatical elements for researchers.