If I received a research grant to conduct a linguistic study of the Korean language and culture, I would investigate the generational differences in language use. I would start by finding and reviewing any previous, relevant research on this topic. But because natural spoken dialogue can be difficult to access, I would use sources that reflect everyday interactions, such as YouTube vlogs, interviews, variety shows, and selected scenes from K-dramas that portray intergenerational communication. I would identify instances where speakers adjust their register, shift speech levels, or use softening markers like 좀 (a bit), 약간 (slightly/somewhat), 혹시 (maybe/perhaps), or sentence endings such as 요, 네, or 데요. I would also compare how younger speakers differ from older speakers in using loanwords, shortened phrases, or more slangs as part of their communication style. Different structural components like morphology would be important for examining politeness endings and honorific markers. Syntax would help me analyze how younger and older speakers structure requests or soften direct statements. Pragmatics would be central to understanding how context like age, familiarity, or social power, shapes linguistic choices. And sociolinguistics would allow me to interpret how language use reflects cultural norms, generational identity, and shifting values.
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