Bae, De Chavez present papers at ASEAN-Korea conference

Working on Sustainability: Contextualizing the Development of Local Korean Language Program in Bilateral Relations versus other Foreign Language Programs

Mark Rae De Chavez
University of the Philippines Diliman

This paper is a comparative account of the development of local language programs in the University of the Philippines, specifically Korean and Japanese. It aims to analyze the stages of development of these language programs and the factors that contributed to its progression into their current state. As the latest language added to the foreign language roster of the Department of Linguistics in the university, its path has been paved by other well-established programs such as Japanese. Comparing the historical development of the two language programs, it is evident that prior developments in the Japanese influenced the structure of the Korean program seen in its course structure. Although different in the length of time, the stages undergone by the two programs are similar: going through an introductory phase into elaboration and contextualization. Currently, the Japanese program is in a refining phase where its courses are being reviewed with information on their performance among its graduates; however, Korean is yet to reach this stage having only just instituted many of its advanced courses in its curriculum. Throughout the process of development, key factors were identified such as institutional support both internal and external. An analysis of the effect of programs provided by foreign institutions in both Korea and Japan illustrates the key role bilateral relations play in nurturing budding programs. However, internal institutional volition is seen to have a greater effect on their progress. As an academic institution, discussions regarding the motivation of establishing courses beyond their academic merit also affects the structure of the program based on prevailing philosophy. Finally, the present structure of the program, from the curriculum content, faculty roster, to the prospects of its graduates, show that there has been a shift into self-reliance and it is unclear what role external institutions will play in its future development.