Hunminjeongeum Society: Spreading Hangul to the World's Unwritten Languages
While many view the Korean alphabet, Hangul, as a tool for the Korean language, a dedicated private organization in Seoul sees it as a universal solution for literacy. The Hunminjeongeum Society (also referred to in English media as the Hunminjeongeum Research Institute) works toward a singular, ambitious goal: the propagation of Hangul to all unwritten languages across the globe.
The term "Hunminjeongeum" refers to the original name of the Hangul script. By utilizing this phonetic system, the society aims to provide writing systems to communities that currently lack a standardized way to record their spoken tongues.
The Origins and Mission of the Society
The society was founded in 2007 by Lee Ki-nam, a retired real-estate agent. Her motivation stemmed from previous attempts to introduce Hangul to various ethnic groups, including the Tungusic Oroqen in Heilongjiang, China; the Tibeto-Burman Chepang in Nepal; and the Tibeto-Burman Lahu in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Lee Ki-nam noted that these initial efforts faced challenges due to a reliance on Christian missionaries in those regions. She observed that because the missionaries' primary focus was religious rather than linguistic or literacy-based, the implementation of a writing system was often unsuccessful. This realization led her to establish a dedicated organization focused specifically on the linguistic application of the script.
Key Facts
- Founder: Lee Ki-nam (established in 2007).
- Current Chair: Kim Ju-won, a linguistics professor at Seoul National University.
- Primary Goal: To provide Hangul as a writing system for unwritten languages.
- Notable Success: The adoption of Hangul for the Cia-Cia language in Indonesia (2009).
- Current Focus: Countries with high numbers of migrant workers traveling to South Korea.
Case Study: The Cia-Cia Language in Indonesia
One of the most significant milestones for the society occurred in 2009. The city of Baubau, located on Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, agreed to adopt Hangul to write the Cia-Cia language, an Austronesian tongue. This move was intended to help preserve the native language through a functional writing system.
To support this transition, the society published a series of Hangul-based Cia-Cia textbooks for use in local schools. These materials utilized a specific orthography—a standardized system of writing—designed by Professor Kim Ju-won. However, reports from 2012 indicated that the adoption of the system had been abandoned.
Summary of Society Milestones and Status
| Year | Event/Focus | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Foundation | Established by Lee Ki-nam to promote Hangul globally. |
| 2009 | Cia-Cia Adoption | Baubau, Indonesia, adopts Hangul for the Cia-Cia language. |
| 2012 | Cia-Cia Status | Reports indicated the abandonment of Hangul adoption in Indonesia. |
| 2015 | Leadership | Chaired by Professor Kim Ju-won of Seoul National University. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hangul and Hunminjeongeum?
Hunminjeongeum was the original name of the Korean writing system. Today, the script is most commonly referred to as Hangul.
Who leads the Hunminjeongeum Society?
As of 2015, the society is chaired by Kim Ju-won, a professor of linguistics at Seoul National University.
Why does the society use Hangul for other languages?
The society believes Hangul is an effective tool for providing a written structure to unwritten languages, helping to preserve linguistic heritage and improve literacy.
What is the current focus of the society's work?
The society currently focuses its efforts on countries that send large numbers of people to work in South Korea.
Did the Cia-Cia language project succeed?
While the city of Baubau initially adopted Hangul and textbooks were produced, reports in 2012 suggested that the adoption had been abandoned.