Between national and ethnic identity: The racialization of Korean-Chinese accents in South Korea

Huiling Cui · Xuesong Andy Gao

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Linguistic Variation and Morphology Linguistic and Sociocultural Studies Multilingual Education and Policy

Abstract

This study employs intersectionality theory as an analytical framework to explore the multiple intersecting factors influencing accent adjustments among Korean-Chinese professionals in South Korea. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 46 Korean-Chinese foreign residents of South Korea, along with semi-structured interviews with 13 participants. This paper focuses on reporting the results that emerged from an iterative analysis of qualitative data, incorporating initial and axial coding based on intersectionality theory, which led to the identification of two main themes. The findings indicate that Korean-Chinese professionals adjust their accents to more closely align with standard South Korean pronunciation, using this linguistic strategy to counter stereotypes about the Korean-Chinese community and challenge the raciolinguistic essentialism prevalent in South Korean society. The study further reveals a sociolinguistic hierarchy that prioritizes nationality over ethnic identity, categorizing Korean-Chinese professionals as “Chinese nationals with Korean characteristics” rather than fully “Korean.” When nationality of a country perceived as less developed (China) intersects with ethnic identity—compounded by easily identifiable non-standard Korean accents—the Korean-Chinese accent serves as a marker of individuals who are devalued, reinforcing perceptions of their “essential inferiority” within social cognition. Thus, the accent adjustments made by Korean-Chinese professionals are not merely personal choices but rather a flexible linguistic strategy shaped by a social hierarchy in which ethnicity, nationality, and language intersect. These findings contribute to research in both ethnic studies and applied linguistics by explicitly applying an intersectionality framework to the study of accent discrimination.

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References

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