An Explanation for Korean Learning Motivation: Ethnic Expectation as a Motivation for Adult Korean-American International Adoptees

한국어 학습 동기화 과정에 대한 연구 - 국제 한인 입양인을 둘러싼 '결핍의 담론' 생산을 중심으로 -

This study explores the identity-formation of adult Korean-American intentional adoptees who studied Korean in a Korean language center in New York from 2005 to 2007. Based on participant observation in the classroom, observations of student conversations in their gatherings, and discourse analysis of conversations related to why they were studying Korean, I found that adoptees felt that their lack of knowledge of Korean had caused them to fall short of expectations of ethnic Koreans. Stereotyped as Korean (or Asian) based on their looks, they were often assumed to possess knowledge of and skills associated with Korean culture, which they of course lacked. They were motivated to study Korean (and acquaint themselves with Korean culture) in order to meet these expectations.