[One Thousand Characters a Day] Professor Shin Ji-young's 'Language Sensitivity' Class＜1＞

Editor's NoteAs society becomes more individualized, the number of people experiencing difficulties due to conflicts and miscommunication caused by 'words' is increasing. Whether in private relationships such as family or friends, or in workplaces where one must interact with various people, everyone has likely experienced at least once the mistake of causing misunderstandings or messing things up because of careless words. Professor Shin Ji-young of Korea University (Department of Korean Language and Literature) suggests that in modern society, where life cannot be sustained without interaction with others, those who find daily conversations difficult or suffer conflicts due to words should "relearn 'speaking' from the perspective of relationships." She also explains that if one wishes to have sincere relationships, the first step is to reflect on one's own language habits and enhance 'language sensitivity,' the key to opening others' hearts. Word count: 1015.

The process of enhancing language sensitivity is about finding the answer to the question, "Why was my speech understood that way by the other person?" Therefore, to increase language sensitivity, study, reflection, and courage are necessary. When someone reacts to your words in a way you did not expect, instead of thinking, "Why are they misunderstanding me and making a fuss?" you should first ask, "Why was my speech understood that way by the other person?" This question becomes the starting point for improving language sensitivity.

To answer this question, knowledge is required first. Not only knowledge about the language itself as a tool but also knowledge about the context in which this tool is used?that is, knowledge about humans and the world?is necessary. Naturally, to accumulate knowledge, one must 'study.'

However, knowledge gained through study alone makes it difficult to find the answer to that question. 'Reflection' is needed. Reflection is the process of observing the problematic situation from an observer's perspective and seeking answers. Through reflection, you examine the context in which the speech occurred, look back on why your words were received that way by the other person in that context, and identify what the problems are.

Once you have identified your issues through reflection, what is needed next is 'courage.' The courage to acknowledge and accept your shortcomings and the courage to practice this in your life. After recognizing and accepting the problems in your language confirmed through reflection, you must apply them to your actual language use. In other words, you practice speaking that reflects sensitivity and, from the other person's standpoint, changed speaking. Discovering your problems but avoiding or covering them up is a cowardly act.

(Omitted)

Sensitivity can be difficult and tiring at first when you try to raise it. However, once it is heightened, it is neither tiring nor particularly uncomfortable. This is because such effort becomes a habit and naturally permeates your body. The effort to break free from bad habits and develop good ones is certainly a worthwhile effort. Therefore, those who strive for such valuable efforts should be subjects of support and encouragement, not criticism or ridicule. Exercising sensitivity is a difficult task, but it is not something to be avoided.

－Shin Ji-young, ＜Professor Shin Ji-young’s Language Sensitivity Class＞, Influential, 18,000 KRW

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