Thompson Deufel

Park & Lo Article Review

June 10, 2015
1. The purpose of this article being written is because Park and Lo wanted to discuss the
theoretical considerations of language and globalization brought forward by the Korean case. By
analyzing transnationalism in Korea, the article highlights new perspectives for sociolinguistics
on a global scale. Park and Lo evaluate both the detriments and the benefits of educational
migration and its effect on the idea of Korean identity.
2. From the neoliberal perspective the commodification of language can be seen as a positive
change in the Korean culture because of its aid in breaking away from the traditionally
institutionalized framework. This idea is evidenced by viewing language as a marketable skill
that any common citizen can easily learn and acquire. The acquisition of learning English in
South Korea is additionally influenced by the mindset of increasing globalization within the
neoliberal mentality found in Korean society.
3. The prominence of the English language in Korean society is a direct result of the influence
the US brought through the extensive relationship between the two countries. Proficiency of the
English language is representative of social and educational status, thus it is found in almost
every aspect of Korean society, including business, education, and regional government. The
international perspective of the currency of English is further supported by its priority in the
Korean job market.
4. The specific social and cultural context of Korea is important for the construction of TESOL
lesson plans because of the constantly shifting perceptions Koreans have of what their place is in
the world. The idea that adequate linguistic education cannot be found within Korea pushes
families to send their children abroad. Because of this, the normal family structure is lost and the
value of Korean culture is depreciated. When creating TESOL lesson plans this awareness is
required to find a balance between the capital of the English language and the importance of
Korean culture in a student's identity.
5. The considerable focus of English in Korea has the ability to have both highly beneficial and
negative impacts on students studying abroad. The relationship between language and class in
Korean society consistently changes in the mind of the student because of the global learning
experiences that come with educational migration. The beneficial effects include the acquisition
of linguistic capital of the English language, the increase of value of international awareness, and
the raising of the importance of multilingualism. Yet the idea of multilingualism also introduces
the negative impacts of studying abroad because of its capacity to decrease the value of the
student's perception of their own native language and culture. The feeling of separation between
the student and their home nation is strengthened by the traditional image held that Korea is a
monolingual country that will remain both ethnically and culturally homogenous.
6. In relation to my experience in Kyunghwa, this article brought to my attention several
perspectives on language in a TESOL classroom in Korea and introduced ideas of cultural and
global awareness that I need to adopt in my own teaching.