The Phonology of Jeju Korean214

Jeju Korean, also known as Jeju-do Korean or Tamna Korean, is a dialect of the Korean language spoken on Jeju Island, South Korea. It is distinct from Standard Korean in terms of its phonology, grammar, and vocabulary. The phonology of Jeju Korean has been studied extensively by linguists, and it is considered to be one of the most conservative dialects of Korean.

Vowels

Jeju Korean has 21 vowel phonemes, which are divided into two groups: monophthongs and diphthongs. The monophthongs are /a/, /ɛ/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /ɔ/, /u/, and /ʌ/. The diphthongs are /ai/, /au/, /ei/, /eu/, /ia/, /ie/, iu/, /oai/, /oei/, /oi/, /ua/, /ue/, and /ui/. The vowel system of Jeju Korean is similar to that of Standard Korean, but there are some notable differences.

One of the most striking features of Jeju Korean is the lack of the vowel /ɔ/. This vowel is found in Standard Korean, but it is not present in Jeju Korean. Instead, the vowel /o/ is used in all of the environments where /ɔ/ would be used in Standard Korean.

Another difference between the vowel systems of Jeju Korean and Standard Korean is the presence of the vowel /ʌ/. This vowel is not found in Standard Korean, but it is found in Jeju Korean in a number of words. The vowel /ʌ/ is typically pronounced as a low back unrounded vowel, similar to the vowel sound in the English word "but".

Consonants

Jeju Korean has 19 consonant phonemes, which are divided into three groups: voiceless stops, voiced stops, and fricatives. The voiceless stops are /p/, /t/, /k/, and /q/. The voiced stops are /b/, /d/, /ɡ/, and /ɦ/. The fricatives are /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /h/, and /f/. The consonant system of Jeju Korean is similar to that of Standard Korean, but there are some notable differences.

One of the most striking features of Jeju Korean is the lack of the consonant /θ/. This consonant is found in Standard Korean, but it is not present in Jeju Korean. Instead, the consonant /t/ is used in all of the environments where /θ/ would be used in Standard Korean.

Another difference between the consonant systems of Jeju Korean and Standard Korean is the presence of the consonant /ɦ/. This consonant is not found in Standard Korean, but it is found in Jeju Korean in a number of words. The consonant /ɦ/ is typically pronounced as a voiced glottal fricative, similar to the sound in the English word "hat".

Phonological processes

Jeju Korean has a number of phonological processes that are not found in Standard Korean. These processes include:
Vowel devoicing: This process devoices all vowels at the end of words.
Consonant assimilation: This process assimilates consonants in clusters to the following consonant.
Metathesis: This process switches the order of consonants in clusters.

These phonological processes give Jeju Korean its unique sound. They also make it difficult for speakers of Standard Korean to understand Jeju Korean.

Conclusion

The phonology of Jeju Korean is a fascinating and complex subject. It is a unique dialect of Korean that has its own set of rules and patterns. The study of Jeju Korean phonology can provide insights into the history and evolution of the Korean language.

2025-02-18

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