A Study of the Nature of Korean ‘Demeaning Expressions’

The purpose of this study is to redefine the concept of ‘demeaning expression’ in Korean, and to examine its semantic features and types of expression. The value of ‘demeaning expressions’ is not a single meaning, but rather a dichotomous opposition to ‘respectful expressions’ within the system of ‘discriminatory expressions’. In Korean, ‘demeaning expressions’ are defined as expressions that belittle and lower the other person in the communication process by placing a difference in grade or level. The semantic features were examined by focusing on the meanings of the synonyms of Korean ‘demeaning’ to see how they reflected not only individual psychological and emotional factors but also social and cultural aspects. The semantic qualities presented in this paper are ‘positive / negative’, ‘joy / anger’, ‘interest / indifference’, ‘comfort / anxiety’, ‘balance /imbalance’, and ‘satisfaction / dissatisfaction’. The types of demeaning expressions focus on how semantic qualities combine to form demeaning expressions. The types of demeaning expressions are: personal attacks, prejudice, insults, sarcasm, sneering, and ridicule.