[KS] Re: Enforced Romanization

[Ruediger Frank]

you wrote:
>I maintain that
>the Korean gov't can use whatever system it wants
>(even an inferior one), but since romanization is
>meant to be for the benefit of non-Korean speakers
>primarily, non-Korean speakers such as native English
>speakers should have the right to use whatever
>romanization system they (collectively)  determine is
>best (without heavy-handed harassment from Korean
>authorities).


With all due respect: as I mentioned some years earlier when we already had 
similar discussions, not all "foreigners" are native English speakers. I 
will spare you the details, but a system that works fine for Americans can 
be totally off the mark for Germans (or French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, 
Greek, Swahili, Arabic, Hindi... speaking people). Bottom line: there is no 
one-size-fits-all perfect system. But since we still need one, I go with 
those who concede that creating such a system this is the sole right (and 
in fact, the duty) of the Korean government. Cooperation between Sòul and 
P'yòngyang on the issue would be nice and a good occasion to further 
improve ties. Consultation with foreigners? Good idea, but PLEASE not only 
Americans.

Best,

Ruediger


Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ruediger FRANK
East Asian Political Economy
University of Vienna, Austria

please note new contact details for Feb. 14 until Feb. 26, 2005
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Nordic Institute of Asian Studies
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