Western Loanwords in Korean and Japanese: How English Words Adapt Differently

Korean, Japanese, Western Loanwords

Explore how English and other Western words are integrated into Korean and Japanese. This article examines phonetic adaptation, semantic shifts, and cultural factors that shape foreign vocabulary in each language.   1. Introduction: Western Words Enter the East When Western technology, culture, and products began flowing into East Asia during the 19th and 20th centuries, … Read more

The Sound of Chinese Characters: Exploring Pronunciation Differences Between Korean Hanja and Japanese Kanji

Korean Hanja and Japanese Kanji

Discover how the same Chinese characters transformed differently in Korea and Japan. This article explores the historical adoption, phonetic evolution, and modern usage of Hanja and Kanji, revealing how each language created unique systems for pronunciation and meaning.   1. Introduction: The Role of Chinese Characters in Korean and Japanese Chinese characters—known as Hanja in … Read more