The Actual Usage Condition and Improvement Plans of Address Terms in Social Relations

Abstract

This study aims to figure out the newly posed problems of address terms in social relations after the publication of ≪Standard of Language Manners≫ (2011) and suggesting the solution plan. The four detailed assignments of this study using diverse case study and survey taken in Gwangju as the point of investigation are as follow. First, grasp the characteristics and change of address terms between employees according to the different types of work places. Second, grasp the current usage patterns of address terms of employees toward customers or petitioners according to different types of work places. Third, grasp the current usage patterns of address terms of employees toward customers or petitioners according to different generations and sex. Fourth, grasp the potential problem or conflict situation along with address terms between employees or between employees and customers and suggesting the possible solution. Although restricted in social relations of work places, nowadays usage of address terms in Korean language shows quite dynamic changes, which were not referred in ≪Standard of Language Manners≫. These aspects of transition were especially different according to types of work places. The significance of this study lies in suggesting the reality and transition of usage of address terms which should be necessarily acquired to prepare for new ≪Standard of Language Manners≫. Also this study verified the potential problem in using address terms between employees or social relations through the result of case study and survey, and suggested an improvement plan. This work will be helpful in suggesting the linguistic policy at the state level.