Language is Being Swept Away by AI. Let's Use Good Words.

The proliferation of artificial intelligence is accelerating the adoption of new English terms, raising concerns about the potential erosion of the Korean language. The author notes the influx of AI-related jargon such as "AX," "physical," "vertical," "sovereign," "multimodal," and "prompt," which are increasingly becoming part of everyday discourse. This trend is exemplified by a recent government meeting where the term "Manufacturing AX" was used, prompting confusion and a presidential inquiry into its meaning. The author criticizes the government's reliance on English abbreviations, forcing citizens to understand their origins.

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Manufacturing AX is difficult to understand, so we use M.AX.

Adding to the linguistic debate, the article touches upon the controversy surrounding the Gwanghwamun Gate inscription. The author supports the inclusion of a Korean inscription alongside the existing Hanja (Chinese characters) version, arguing it reflects flexibility and modernity. This move, proponents say, is crucial for foreign tourists who may not recognize the Hanja characters. The author contrasts this with government ministries promoting English neologisms while simultaneously encouraging the use of Korean, a move seen as contradictory and potentially wasteful of public funds.

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It is incredibly difficult to understand.

The National Institute of Korean Language's efforts to create Korean alternatives for foreign words are also discussed. However, the author finds many of these "purified words" to be awkward and impractical, citing the example of "pet etiquette" being replaced by a lengthy Korean phrase. The author suggests that the institute needs to be more sensitive to the linguistic trends favored by younger generations and propose more natural, concise alternatives. The article concludes with a somber reflection on the current linguistic landscape, likening the situation to the "eulsa year" (1905), a period of national subjugation, and urging a return to Korean terms like "sovereign," "transition," and "independence" instead of their English counterparts.

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We should use 'sovereign,' 'self-reliance,' and 'independence' instead of 'sovereign,' and 'transition' instead of 'X.'