As an expert in the field of linguistics and cultural studies, I can provide some insights into the question of whether all Koreans know Japanese.
Firstly, it's important to clarify that no single language is universally known by every individual within a country or ethnic group. Language proficiency varies greatly among people, and this is influenced by a range of factors including education, personal interest, and historical context.
In the case of Korea and Japan, there is a historical connection that has influenced the linguistic landscape of the Korean Peninsula. Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945, during which time Japanese was imposed as the official language. This period, known as the Japanese colonial era, had a profound impact on Korean society and culture, and it is true that some older Koreans may have learned Japanese during this time.
However, it is crucial to note that not all Koreans speak Japanese. The ability to speak a language is a skill that requires learning and practice, and not everyone has the opportunity or desire to acquire this skill. Furthermore, the end of Japanese colonial rule and the establishment of the Republic of Korea brought about a strong sense of national identity and pride. This has led many Koreans to reject the Japanese language as a symbol of the past oppression.
The statement you provided about your aunt is a poignant example of this sentiment. It highlights the emotional and psychological barriers that can exist around language, particularly when it is associated with a painful historical period. For your aunt, and for many Koreans of her generation, choosing not to speak Japanese is a form of resistance and a way to assert their independence and identity.
In contemporary Korea, the younger generation is more likely to learn Japanese as a second language due to its utility in the global economy and cultural exchange. Japanese is a popular choice for language study because of the close economic ties between the two countries and the influence of Japanese media and culture. However, this does not mean that all Koreans are proficient in Japanese or that they necessarily have a desire to learn it.
In conclusion, while some Koreans do speak Japanese, it is not accurate to say that all Koreans know the language. Language proficiency is a complex issue that is influenced by a range of factors, including personal choice, educational opportunities, and historical context. The relationship between Korea and Japan is a sensitive and complex one, and the question of language proficiency is just one aspect of this broader cultural and historical narrative.
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That said, many Koreans do speak Japanese and choose not to. ... My aunt (who is 70) confided to me that she can speak Japanese fluently, but has not spoken so much as one word of Japanese because the memories are so painful. To her it is a mark of independence and pride that no one can make her speak Japanese again.read more >>