Negotiating Racial Identities Through Korean Language Learning: Learners of Korean as a Foreign Language in a US University

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the experiences of twelve non-heritage learners of Korean in a Korean as a Foreign Language (KFL) setting at a US university. The findings show (a) how learners understand the construct of race inside and outside of Korean language learning spaces; (b) how learners’ real and imagined communities influence their identities and language learning; and (c) how learning Korean influences learners’ racial identities and how these racial identities play a role in Korean language learning. This study attempts to address and start a dialogue regarding race and racial identities in the Korean language classrooms.