How “reu“ (을) Changed the Korean Language395

Introduction

The Korean language is spoken by over 80 million people worldwide, and its unique phonetic system is one of its most distinctive features. However, few know that the modern Korean alphabet, Hangul, underwent a significant reform in the 1930s, which had a profound impact on the language's pronunciation. One of the most notable changes was the introduction of the letter "leu" (을), which replaced the previously used "eu" (으) in certain contexts. This shift had far-reaching consequences for the Korean language, affecting both its phonology and orthography.

Origins of the "reu" Sound

The "eu" sound, represented by the letter 으, was originally pronounced as a mid-central vowel, similar to the sound of "uh" in English. However, during the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945, the pronunciation of "eu" shifted towards a higher, more front vowel, similar to the sound of "e" in English.

The Role of the National Language Council

After Korea regained independence in 1945, the newly established National Language Council sought to standardize the Korean language and promote its use. One of their primary goals was to reform the Korean alphabet to reflect the changes that had occurred in pronunciation during the Japanese occupation. In 1933, the council introduced the letter "leu" (을) to represent the new pronunciation of "eu" in certain contexts.

Distribution of the "reu" Sound

The distribution of the "reu" sound in Korean is governed by specific phonological rules. Generally, "reu" is used in the following contexts:
When "eu" appears in the final syllable of a word, it is pronounced as "reu."
When "eu" is preceded by a consonant in the same syllable, it is pronounced as "reu."
When "eu" appears in an unstressed syllable, it is often pronounced as "reu."

Orthographic Impact

The introduction of the letter "leu" had a significant impact on Korean orthography. Many words that were previously written with "eu" underwent spelling changes to reflect the new pronunciation. For example, the word "geu" (그), meaning "that," was modified to "geul" (그을).

Phonological Consequences

The shift from "eu" to "reu" in certain contexts had phonological consequences for the Korean language. The "reu" sound is more distinct and centralized than the "eu" sound, which led to a reduction in diphthongs and a more consistent vowel system.

Dialectal Variations

While the distribution of the "reu" sound is generally consistent across Korean dialects, there are some regional variations. For example, in the Jeju dialect, "eu" is pronounced as "reu" in all contexts, regardless of the phonological environment.

Contemporary Usage

Today, the letter "leu" is an integral part of the Korean alphabet and plays a crucial role in the pronunciation and spelling of the language. It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, and its introduction has contributed to the standardization and clarity of the Korean language.

Conclusion

The introduction of the letter "leu" in the Korean alphabet was a significant milestone in the history of the language. This reform reflected the changing pronunciation of "eu" during the Japanese occupation and laid the foundation for the modern Korean phonological system. By distinguishing between "eu" and "reu," the Korean language gained increased clarity and consistency, which has facilitated its widespread use and development.

2025-01-13

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