Confounded by the prospect of learning a foreign tongue, let alone Japanese or Korean? Check out this blog for a clear resolution to your questions.
The obsession of interacting with people from Japan and Korea is on the rise. Both languages have fantastic job opportunities. It is therefore a difficult decision since, if you are going to devote your time in learning something, you must be aware of all the benefits and drawbacks related to it.
Which language is more widely spoken: Japanese or Korean?
Korea’s combined population is 75 million, compared to Japan’s 127 million. both North and South Korea are combined. However, Korea boasts a sizable entertainment and cosmetics business despite its tiny size and population. When referring to Japan, the word “Japan” is sufficient to convey the country’s status as one of the strongest and largest economies in the world.
Myths debunked
• Share a great deal of similarity: It is frequently assumed that both Korean and Japanese share a great deal of similarities. However, it is a complete myth. Thinking that knowing one language will make learning the other simpler is incorrect. There are no loanwords or cognates between the two vocabularies. There are some parallels, such as the fact that Korean and Japanese grammar adhere to a nearly identical set of norms, but there are none in the other areas.
• Both are comprehensible to one another: Thought to be mutually comprehensible, the two languages are not. It will be impossible for a Korean to speak Korean to a Japanese person. There are various writing systems for each language.
Comparison and contrast
1. Japanese is a tonal language, whereas Korean is not. Despite the accent change, the words’ meanings remain the same. Korean is hence simpler than other languages.
2. The Katakana and Hiragana alphabet systems in Japan each include 46 letters, compared to the 24 letters of the Hangul script used in Korea.
3. When compared to the Japanese language, the Korean language has more sounds.
Korean Language: Its Benefits and Drawbacks
Pros:
• The grammar is simple to master, and working for large Korean corporations is a pro. You can easily be admitted into Korean universities.
• Access to the people and culture of Korea
Cons:
• Complicated honorifics and challenging pronunciation
Japanese language: Its advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
• being more likely to be admitted to Japanese educational institutions;
• easier word pronunciation;
• a wide range of employment options;
• access to Japanese culture.
Cons:
• It takes longer to memorise the characters
• difficult to distinguish the characters
• there are no gaps between the words.
Both languages have both similar and dissimilar features. Learning a new language can be challenging and daunting, but with persistence, hard work, and patience, any education can be understood more quickly. Both Korean and Japanese language courses are now offered abroad by a large number of language schools. So, with just one click, you may start your adventure once you decide to study a language.
