Overview of the Study of Modern Chinese Syntax in Korea

Abstract

This brief state of the art and history of the study of Modern Chinese syntax in Korea introduces the research trends and traditions of Korean researchers who have worked on modern Chinese syntax between 1950 and today. This article reviews the dissertations, books and journal articles related to modern Chinese syntax published in Korea. In the beginning stage (1950-1979), Korean researchers planted the seeds of modern Chinese syntax in the field of Sinology in the residual tradition of ‘minor learning.’ In the growing stage (1980-1999), the field of modern Chinese syntax expanded its volume and scope. Researchers began to work on natural data at this time and apply modern linguistic theories. In the setting stage (2000-the present), modern Chinese syntax became the major subfield within Chinese linguistics in Korea. Pedagogical syntax and contrastive syntax have also been established as substantial subareas of modern Chinese syntax in Korea. For general syntax as a subarea of modern Chinese syntax, more diverse approaches and methodologies have been increasingly pursued.