Length Of Residence In Korea Research Articles

Sequential bilingual heritage children's L1 attrition in lexical retrieval: Age of acquisition versus language experience

AbstractThis study investigated the unresolved issue of potential sources of heritage language attrition. To test contributing effects of three learner variables – age of second language acquisition, length of residence, and language input – on heritage children's lexical retrieval accuracy and speed, we conducted a real-time word naming task with 68 children (age 11–14 years) living in South Korea who spoke either Chinese or Russian as a heritage language. Results of regression analyses showed that the participants were less accurate and slower in naming target words in their heritage language as their length of residence in Korea and the amount of Korean input increased. The age of Korean acquisition did not significantly influence their performance. These findings support the claim that heritage speakers’ language experience is a more reliable predictor of first language attrition than age of acquisition. We discuss these findings in light of different approaches to explaining language attrition.

Factors affecting immigrants’ host country language proficiency: Focusing on the differences between migrant workers and marriage-migrant women in South Korea

This study aims to reveal significant factors affecting the Korean language proficiency of immigrants in Korea by comparing the two immigrant groups, migrant workers and marriage-migrant women, that constitute the largest sector of the foreign-born population in Korea. A comprehensive survey was conducted on a total of 136 migrant workers and 136 marriage-migrant women. A statistical analysis was followed adopting stepwise multiple regression on six independent variables (age at arrival, length of residence, education level, linguistic distance, intensity of target language use, and learning time at institutions) and one dependent variable (self-reported language proficiency). Results show that length of residence in Korea and intensity of target language use significantly contributed to the Korean language proficiency of marriage-migrant women, whereas age at arrival, intensity of target language use, and education level played a significant role in the development of language proficiency of migrant workers in Korea. Educational implications are discussed, and suggestions are made for expanding language educational support for migrant workers.

Comprehension of the Honorifics System by Learners of Korean

ABSTRACT This study investigates Korean language learners' understanding of the honorifics system based on 223 responses collected from learners studying in Korea. Due to its complexity, this system has posed many challenges not only for leaners to master it but also for teachers to effectively instruct it. Three factors—native language, length of residence, and proficiency level—that might affect learning of this system are examined to better understand where learners experience difficulty. The results of descriptive statistics show that first, the higher level the respondents were at, the higher level of understanding of the system they demonstrated; second, native speakers of Japanese performed better than native speakers of English and other languages, but only by a narrow margin in each case; third, learners who had been residing in Korea for more than six months performed better than those for less than six months, indicating that six months of residence was a borderline factor. In particular, learners' length of residence in Korea turned out to be a strong indicator for achieving a high level of comprehending the system as it was found to be statistically significant and this was the case especially in the context of “addressee honorifics.”

Relationship between Health Behaviors and Marital Adjustment and Marital Intimacy in Multicultural Family Female Immigrants.

BackgroundThis study analyzed the relationship between health behaviors and marital adjustment in multicultural couples to evaluate their health status.MethodsMarried couples (70 Korean men and their immigrant wives) completed a structured interview on health behaviors and sociodemographic factors, the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and the Marital Intimacy Scale. Based on the cutoff value of the RDAS, respondents were classified into two groups: high or low dyadic adaptation groups. The collected data were compared with health behavior regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and weight.ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) by logistic regression with adjustment for age, educational level, career, occupation, length of residence in Korea, nationality, religion, age difference between couple, number of children, monthly income, and proficiency in Korean was 1.279 (1.113–1.492) for unhealthy exercise and 1.732 (1.604–1.887) for unhealthy body weight in female immigrants with low marital adjustment. In Korean husbands with low marital adjustment, the OR (95% CI) was 1.625 (1.232–2.142) for smoking and 1.327 (1.174– 1.585) for unhealthy exercise. No significant relationship was found between marital intimacy and health behaviors in female immigrants or Korean husbands.ConclusionMore desirable health behaviors were observed in highly adapted couples. Therefore, family physicians should be concerned with marital adjustment and other associative factors to evaluate and improve multicultural couples’ health status.

Changes in Dietary Quality among Vietnamese Women Immigrants in Korea and Comparison with Korean Women

The dietary behavior of immigrants starts changing upon their arrival in a new country. We evaluated changes in dietary quality of Vietnamese women immigrants in Korea and compared dietary quality with that of Korean women. Fifty-six Vietnamese women immigrants and 56 age-matched Korean women were recruited. Dietary quality were assessed using index of nutritional quality (INQ) and diet quality index-international (DQI-I). Dietary habits were assessed according to 4 dietary behaviors: a prudent, calorie control, dietary fat control, and sodium or salt control diet. DQI-I scores of Vietnamese immigrants decreased after immigration, especially the moderation score, although the variety score increased. Scores were significantly lower than those of Korean subjects (45.1 vs. 64.5; p < 0.001). Vietnamese women immigrants had significantly poorer nutrient balance and calorie intake control, although their fat and sodium control was better than that of Korean woman (p < 0.001). INQs of protein, niacin, phosphorus, iron, zinc were lower in immigrants who had lived longer in Korea than more recent immigrants (p < 0.05). Lower INQs of protein, fiber, vitamin A, B1, B6, C, folate, and phosphorus were related to higher body fat in Vietnamese immigrants (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary quality of Vietnamese immigrants decreased after migration, and dietary intake was inadequate compared with that of Korean women. In addition, diet quality of Vietnamese immigrants decreased with length of residence in Korea. There was a negative correlation between diet quality and body fat percent in Vietnamese women immigrants. Findings from this study may help improve diet quality and prevent obesity in Vietnam women immigrants.

The Length of Residence is Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Foreign-English Teachers in Korea.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that involve the heart and blood vessels. Acculturation is associated with CVD risk factors among immigrants in Western countries. In this study, the association between acculturation and CVD risk factors was examined among English teachers from Europe and the USA living in Korea. English teachers were defined as those who reported their profession as “English Teacher”. Only English teachers from Europe (UK, and Ireland, n = 81) and North America (Canada and USA, n = 304) were selected. The length of residence and eating Korean ethnic food were used as proxy indicators for acculturation. Gender was associated with hypertension: 17.6% of males self-reported to have the cardiovascular risk factor when compared to females (7.4%). The length of residence in Korea was associated with hypertension (p = 0.045), BMI (p = 0.028), and physical inactivity (p = 0.046). English teachers who had been residing in Korea for more than five years were more likely to report hypertension (OR = 2.16; p = 0.011), smoking (OR = 1.51; p = 0.080), and overweight/obesity (OR = 1.49; p = 0.009) than participants who had been living in Korea for less than five years. This study found evidence of the healthy immigrant effect and less favorable cardiovascular risk profiles among English teachers who have lived in Korea for over five years.

Answering Korean Negative Questions by Elementary Students in Differing English Learning Contexts

The study investigates whether different English learning contexts result in different grammar development in L1-specific structures in learners’ mother tongue, Korean. Three groups of 8-to-10-year old students (i.e., EFL, immersion, and ESL learners) participated in the research. Participants completed a dialogue by choosing either Yes or No in Korean, and accuracy and reaction time were measured. The results showed little difference among the three groups in reaction time, but a significant difference between the EFL students and the ESL students in accuracy. The ESL students showed more limited knowledge with the peculiar but common structures in Korean. In the correlation analysis, length of residence in Korea had the strongest correlation, implying that the longer students lived in Korea, the better they correctly answered. The study enhances understanding of the complicated aspects of bilinguals’ language development, particularly regarding L1 attrition or delayed development. In addition, it implies pedagogically that the mother tongue curriculum for bilingual learners could be well-served by more emphasis on enhancing learners’ grammatical development, including language-specific structures.

Factors Related to Positive Changes in Perceived Health Status of Married Han Chinese and Korean-Chinese Women After Immigration to Korea.

This study aimed to compare factors related to changes in perceived health status of Han Chinese (traditional Chinese) and Korean-Chinese (Chinese nationals of Korean descent) women after immigration to Korea. During summer 2013, a survey was conducted with 151 Han and 158 Korean-Chinese women married to Korean men. Most of the respondents reported either no changes (82%) or positive changes (18%) in their perceived health status after immigration. The results of the multiple logistic regression analyses indicated healthy dietary behavior was related to positive changes in the perceived health status of both groups (odds ratio [OR] = 7.4 for Han Chinese; OR = 14.6 for Korean-Chinese). Among Han Chinese women, the length of residence in Korea and the change in perceived health status showed a negative relation (OR = 0.2). In contrast, their level of acculturation and health perception were positive (OR = 7.5). However, these results did not apply to the Korean-Chinese women. In conclusion, factors related to changes in perceived health status differed between the 2 groups although they shared healthy dietary behaviors as a common factor. Therefore, policies and programs aimed at promoting immigrant women's health should consider the differences between Han Chinese and Korean-Chinese.

결혼이주여성의 취업의지에 관한 영향요인 분석

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the female marriage immigrants’ social unification through their employment.The subjects of this study were 116 female marriage immigrants who lived in Kyungi-do. This study analyzed employmentdesire, barrier and volition differences of female marriage immigrants between their socio-demographic factors and effectsof their employment desire and barrier to employment volition. Results of this study; First, desire of maintenance oflivehood and self esteem to employment incresed with age. Second, there were differences in desire of maintenance oflivehood and self esteem to employment between their countries of origins. Third, employment volition and self esteem to employment increased with level of education. Fourth, there were differences in employment volition and self esteemto employment between the length of residence in Korea. Fifth, employment desire and self esteem to employment in-creased with ability to Korean, but internal barrier of employment decreased by ability to Korean. Sixth, desire of identityfrom employment and self esteem to employment increased with the number of children. Seventh, employment desire influenced employment volition, self efficacy and self esteem to employment.Key words:employment volition, female marriage immigrant, social unification

Food intake and nutritional status of female marriage immigrants residing in Gwangju, Korea

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of female marriage immigrants attending Korean language class in Gwangju, Korea by analyzing daily food and nutrient intake. Methods: Eighty-three female immigrants completed a survey. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and dietary food intake was assessed using a 1-day 24 hour recall method. Results: The average length of residence in Korea was 5.3 years, and mean age of subjects was 31.0 years old. The home countries of subjects were Vietnam (50.6%), China (24.1%), Philippines (13.3%), and others (12%). Due to the length of residence, there were significant differences in body weight (p < 0.05), BMI (p < 0.05), percent body fat (p < 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). The subjects who were 30~49 years old consumed more vegetables and less seaweed than the subjects who were 20~29 years old. The other kinds of consumed foods were similar among groups in different age groups or lengths of residence in Korea. Average energy intake of subjects was 1,641.0 Kcal. The group with less than 5 years of residence showed higher cholesterol intake than the group with 5 or more years of residence in Korea (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in nutrient intake between the groups of different age or length of residence. There was a positive association among dietary cholesterol intake and consumption of eggs, milk. and dairy products, and blood pressure. Conclusion: The study shows that length of residence affects rate of obesity and nutritional status. Further extensive research is needed to understand the effect of dietary changes and nutritional status of female marriage immigrants as well as for their successful adaptation to develop a more active and long-term nutrition education program.

Dietary behaviors of female marriage immigrants residing in Gwangju, Korea

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to document the dietary behaviors, dietary changes, and health status of female marriage immigrants residing in Gwangju, Korea. Methods: The survey included 92 female immigrants attending Korean language class at a multi-cultural family support center. General characteristics, health status, anthropometric data, dietary behaviors, and dietary changes were collected. Results: Mean age of subjects was 31.3 years, and home countries of subjects were Vietnam (50.0%), China (26.0%), Philippines (12.0%), and others (12.0%). Frequently reported chronic diseases were digestive diseases (13.2%), anemia (12.1%), and neuropsychiatry disorder (8.9%). Seventeen percent of the subjects was obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/㎡). Dietary score by Mini Dietary Assessment was 3.45 out of 5 points. Dietary scores for dairy foods, meat/fish/egg/bean intake, meal regularity, and food variety were low, and those for fried foods and high fat meat intake were also low. Thirty-three percent of subjects answered that they have changed their diet and increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables after immigration. Length of residence in Korea was positively associated with BMI and waist circumference. Length of residence tends to be positively associated with dietary changes and obesity as well as inversely associated with disease prevalence. Conclusion: The study shows that length of residence is inversely related to disease prevalence. However, this association is thought to be due to the relatively short period of residence in Korea and thus the transitional phase to adapting to dietary practices. As the length of residence increases, disease patterns related to obesity are subject to change. Healthy dietary behaviors and adaptation to dietary practices in Korea in female marriage immigrants will not only benefit individuals but also their families and social structure. Therefore, varied, long-term, and target-specific studies on female marriage immigrants are highly needed.

중국인 화자의 한국어 파열음 발음

본 연구는 중국인 학습자의 한국어 파열음 (/ㄲㄱㅋㄸㄷㅌㅃㅂㅍ/) 발음의 VOT값이 (1) 한국에 거주하며 한국어를 배운 기간에 따라 어떻게 달라지는지 (2) 유의미 단어와 무의미 단어에 따라 달라지는지 (3) 한국인의 이해도와 연관이 있는지를 알아보는 것을 목적으로 한다, 본 연구를 위하여 18명의 중국인 화자들의 한국어 파열음 발음은 음성프로그램으로 분석되었고, 이후 중국인 화자가 발화한 파열음을 한국인 화자가 인지 가능한지 평가하여 이 결과와 VOT값을 비교하여 보았다. 본 실험에 참여한 중국인 화자들의 한국어 VOT값의 평균을 보면, 경음은 한국인 화자들의 VOT값과 큰 차이가 없었으나, 모국어의 영향으로 평음은 한국인 보다 더 짧아, 경음에 가깝게 발음한다는 것을 알 수 있었고, 격음의 VOT도 한국인 보다 더 짧다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 한국에 거주한 시기와 중국어 화자의 한국어 파열음 VOT값의 관계에서는, 중국인 화자의 한국어 발음은 거주 기간이 길어지고 한국어 학습양이 많아져도 쉽게 수정되지 않는 것으로 나타났으며 유의미 단어와 무의미 단어의 차이도 유의미하지 않는 것으로 나타났다. The purposes of this study are (1) to see if the length of residence in Korea affects to the VOT values of Korean plosives produced by Chinese speakers (2) to investigate if such VOT values are different in non-sense words and real words and (3) to find out how such VOT values are related to the native Korean speakers' understanding of the words. For these purposes, eighteen Chinese speakers' VOT values of Korean plosives were measured using Speech Analyzer and their pronunciations were evaluated by three native Korean speakers. The results show that there is no effect of both (1) length of residence in Korea and (2) production of non-sensed words and sensed words. In addition, it is noticed that VOT values of some plosives affect more to the native Korean speakers' understanding of the words, while some are not.

Factors Influencing Depression in Married Immigrant Women in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing depression of married immigrant women in Korea. Participants included 127 married immigrant women who met eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Participants were evaluated for subjective assessment of married immigrant-related constructs using a self-report questionnaire, for depression, acculturation stress, and social support. The analysis was done using SPSS for Windows, version 18.0, and included stepwise regression. The major findings were as follows; 1) Depression significantly differed according to native country, length of residence in Korea, education, family monthly income, household and primary support. 2) There were significant relationships between marital life satisfaction (r=-.80, p<.001), acculturative stress (r=.78, p<.001), and social support (r=-.20, p = .025). 3) Marital life satisfaction, family monthly income, acculturative stress, primary support and social support were significant factors, which explained 84.6% of the variance in depression (F=138.04, p<.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a powerful predictor of depression for married immigrant women was marital life satisfaction. Based upon the findings, this study provides useful information that could assist in reducing depression among married immigrant women, and indicates that nursing interventions are needed.

Characteristics of the Education Participation Motivation and It's Impact on the Educational Satisfaction and a Positive Change in Life in Married Immigrant Women

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics and the impact of it on the education satisfaction a positive change in life after the education according to education participation motive types in married immigrant women. By the regression, education participation motive types(=.16) affected on the women's the education satisfaction significantly but it's effect(=.16) on the a positive change in life through the education affected insignificantly. By the ANOVA analysis, the activity-oriented among the education participation motive types were highest in the level of education satisfaction, self-esteem, marital satisfaction, the length of residence in Korea, and age. By the logistic regression, only the length of residence in Korea affected on the activity-oriented significantly.

Nutritional Status of Vietnamese Female Marriage Immigrants to Korea in Relation to Length of Residence in Korea

Aims: It was the aim of this study to assess the nutritional status of Vietnamese immigrants to Korea through marriage and to examine the association between their nutritional status and their length of residence in Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study was performed with Vietnamese immigrant wives to Korea (n = 890). Results: The mean age and length of residence in Korea were 23.5 and 2.0 years, respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were 20.9 and 0.82, respectively. Prevalence of underweight (BMI <18.5), overweight (BMI ≥25) and central obesity (WHR >0.85) were 18.3, 7.5 and 26.2%, respectively. As the length of residence in Korea increased, the prevalence of obesity and central obesity increased and the prevalence of underweight decreased. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was <10%. Daily food and daily nutrient intake, which was estimated by 1-day 24-hour recall, did not differ according to the length of residence in Korea. Conclusions: BMI, WHR and blood profiles of most subjects were in the normal ranges. As the length of residence in Korea increased, the prevalence of obesity increased. The usual intake of the subjects needs to be estimated by other dietary assessment methods.

Dietary behaviors are associated with stress after immigration in Vietnamese marriage immigrants in South Korea

This study was to investigate the association between dietary behaviors and the risk of stress after immigration in female Vietnamese immigrants. Cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort was conducted on 582 Vietnamese wives visiting 13 clinical centers from Nov. 2006 to 2007. Stress after immigration was measured by Psychological Well‐being Index‐Short Form. Subjects were categorized into two groups: healthy (25.3%) and potentially stressed (60.7%) or stressed (14.0%). Multivariate logistic regression was used. Subjects whose education was less than completion of middle school had 1.562 times (95%CI=1.033‐2.363) higher risk of stress than the more educated. As length of residence in Korea increased, the risk increased (OR=1.237; 95%CI=1.067‐1.433). Underweight ones (BMI&lt;18.5) were more likely to be stressed than overweight (BMI=23) (OR=2.164; 95%CI=1.100‐4.259). Subjects with irregular meals had 1.506 times (95%CI=1.001‐2.268) greater risk than ones without. The risk was higher in subjects who changed meal patterns after immigration (OR=2.114; 95%CI=1.408‐3.174). Subjects with a balanced diet had a 36.5% lower risk than ones without (OR=0.635; 95%CI=0.418‐0.967). Dietary behaviors might be independent risk factors of stress in Vietnamese immigrants. (Supported by a grant of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007‐090‐091‐4854‐300) &amp; 2nd stage of BK21 Project in 2008)

The health and nutrition status of Vietnamese wives in Korea

In recent years, international marriages have been rapidly increasing in Korea. The purpose of this study was to assess health and nutrition status for Vietnamese wives in Korea. The subjects were recruited from a medical examination center in Seoul. The mean age of the subjects was 24.7±0.3 years and mean length of residence in Korea was 2.8 years. The mean BMI (body mass index), systolic, diastolic blood pressure, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose of the subjects were within the normal ranges. However, some subjects should abnormal anthropometry and hematological variables as follows high BMI; 7.4%, high blood pressure; 6.8%, low HDL‐cholesterol; 59.2%, high triglycerides; 12.8%, and high fasting blood glucose; 0.3%. Intakes of protein and vitamin C were above Estimated Average Requirements (EAR). However, intakes of vitamin A, iron, zinc and folate did not meet EAR. In conclusion, anthropometry and hematological variables were within the normal ranges. However, status of nutrient intakes was not satisfactory, especially intakes of antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A and folate were lower than EAR. The society must give special attention so that the Vietnamese wives should be encouraged to lead a stable dietary life. (This study was supported by a grant of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006‐347‐2910‐213‐207) and second stage of BK21 project in 2007.)