[SHJ Korean Pronunciation: A Comprehensive Guide]245

Mastering the pronunciation of Korean can be a daunting task for non-native speakers, but it is essential for effective communication and comprehension. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) has developed a systematic pronunciation guide known as the "SHJ Korean Pronunciation" system, which provides learners with a clear and accurate roadmap to pronouncing Korean words and phrases correctly.

The SHJ Korean Pronunciation system is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which provides a standardized set of symbols to represent the sounds of all languages. This system allows learners to break down Korean sounds into their component parts and practice them individually before attempting to pronounce them in words and sentences.

Vowels

Korean has a total of 10 vowel sounds, which are classified as either monophthongs or diphthongs. Monophthongs are single, pure vowel sounds, while diphthongs are a combination of two vowel sounds that are pronounced together as one syllable.Monophthongs IPA Symbol Example
ㅏ [a] 나 (na)
ㅓ [ʌ] 머 (meo)
ㅗ [o] 고 (go)
ㅜ [u] 누 (nu)
ㅡ [ɯ] ᅳ (eu)
ㅣ [i] 이 (i)

Diphthongs IPA Symbol Example
ㅑ [ja] 야 (ya)
ㅕ [jʌ] 여 (yeo)
ㅛ [jo] 요 (yo)
ㅠ [ju] 유 (yu)
ㅐ [ɛ] 개 (gae)
ㅔ [e] 게 (ge)
ㅒ [jɛ] 얘 (yae)
ㅖ [je] 예 (ye)
ㅘ [wa] 과 (gwa)
ㅙ [wɛ] 괴 (gwe)
ㅚ [ø] 외 (oe)
ㅝ [wʌ] 과 (gwo)
ㅞ [we] 괴 (gwe)
ㅟ [wi] 위 (wi)

Consonants

Korean has 19 consonant sounds, which are classified as either stops, fricatives, affricates, nasals, or liquids.Stops IPA Symbol Example
ㄱ [k] 가 (ga)
ㄷ [t] 다 (da)
ㅂ [p] 바 (ba)
ㅈ [t͡ʃ] 자 (ja)
ㅊ [t͡ʃʰ] 차 (cha)
ㅋ [kʰ] 카 (ka)
ㅌ [tʰ] 타 (ta)
ㅍ [pʰ] 파 (pa)

Fricatives IPA Symbol Example
ㅅ [s] 사 (sa)
ㅎ [h] 하 (ha)
ㅆ [s͈] 싸 (ssa)
ㅁ [m] 마 (ma)
ㄴ [n] 나 (na)
ㅇ [ŋ] 앙 (ang)
ㄹ [ɾ] 라 (ra)
ㄹㄹ [l] 몰라 (molla)

Aspiration and Tensing

Aspiration is a feature of Korean pronunciation that refers to the release of a puff of air after a consonant sound. Tensing refers to the increased muscle tension in the vocal cords when pronouncing certain sounds.

Aspirated consonants are indicated by the aspirated consonant character ㅎ (h) after the consonant. For example, the consonant ㄱ is pronounced as [k] when unaspirated, but as [kʰ] when aspirated (ㄱㅎ). Tense consonants are indicated by the tense consonant character ㅆ (ss) after the consonant. For example, the consonant ㅅ is pronounced as [s] when untensed, but as [s͈] when tensed (ㅅㅆ).

Final Consonants and Double Consonants

Korean has a unique rule regarding final consonants. When a word ends in a consonant, it is pronounced with a slight aspiration or release of air. This is known as "final aspiration." Double consonants are pronounced with a stronger emphasis on the second consonant.

For example, the word "못" (not) is pronounced as [mo͈t], with a final aspiration on the consonant ㅌ. The word "갔" (went) is pronounced as [kat], with emphasis on the double consonant ㄲ.

Conclusion

By mastering the principles of SHJ Korean Pronunciation, learners can develop accurate and fluent pronunciation skills that will enhance their communication abilities in Korean. The system provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to understanding and producing Korean sounds, making it an invaluable tool for both beginners and advanced learners alike.

2024-10-29

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