한국어 학습자의 숙달도에 따른 {네}의 담화 기능 연구

Abstract

This study analyzes the discourse functions of ‘ne’ with a focus on the aspects of how these markers are demonstrated in the Korean language learners corpus. Then, it examines the variances manifested in their discourse functions according to the learner’s level of Korean proficiency. With the basic meaning of giving an affirmative response, the Korean response markers ‘ne’ are used to reply in the affirmative to another speaker’s question. In the Korean learners corpus, ‘ne’ usage reveals a variety of aspects in addition to their function as response markers. The study finds that ‘ne’ are also used as non-response markers to fulfill functions other than providing affirmative response. This study classified the ‘ne’ usage expressed in learner's free speech into [+Response Marker] and [-Response Marker], which are then specified in accordance with each discourse function. The results of the analysis show that beginner learners tend to use ‘ne’ to deliver to the speaker a signal that he/she is being perceptive to their speech as a lingual response. For intermediate and advanced learners, the discourse function of ‘ne’ varied. Basically, however, the use of ‘ne’ was aimed as a strategy to keep up the cooperative conversation by carrying on the function of affirmative response to the speaker's speech. This study is significant in that it establishes pragmatic descriptions applicable to Korean language education as well as providing useful educational information for Korean learners.