This talk provides an engaging and easy-to-follow exploration of the future trajectory of Hangeul and the Korean language amidst the global phenomenon of Hallyu. Designed for students with heritage from both South and North Korea, as well as the general British public, it examines how Hangeul is expanding beyond the Korean peninsula, growing in significance as a global cultural asset. Through a review of Hangeul’s past, present, and future, this presentation commemorates its historical importance while forecasting its evolving role in shaping identities and fostering connections worldwide. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn and practice Hangeul, engaging directly with this remarkable script. All ages are welcome to join us for an insightful and accessible discussion as we celebrate Hangeul and its continued influence in the digital age.
About the Speaker: Professor Jieun Kiaer (Jieun Cho)
Professor Jieun Kiaer is the Young Bin Min-KF Professor of Korean Linguistics in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford.
Research interests include Hallyu (Korean Wave), language learning, sound and gesture, AI language and linguistics, Asian perspective: translation, commentary and multilingualism, and culinary linguistics.
Professor Kiaer’s latest publications include The Future of Syntax: Asian perspective in an AI age (Bloomsbury); The Language of Hallyu (Routledge); and Emoji Speak: Communication and Behaviours on Social Media (Bloomsbury).
About the Organiser: Eugene Kim (Kingston Language Scheme)
Eugene Kim is a Korean Lecturer in the Kingston Language Scheme at Kingston University. She has translated Korean literature into English and is the editor of the online magazine Nabillera: Contemporary Korean Literature.
This event is open to Kingston University staff, students, and members of the public interested in Korean language and culture.
The organization of this event has been made possible through the generous support of KTF (Korea Town Foundation).