심지연 Jiyon Shim
DOI:10.35821/jkc.2025.11.71.127 Vol.71(No.0) 127-156, 2025
Abstract
In this study, I investigate the nature and characteristics of Pyeong-eo, a Korean Equalizing Language register, through a comparative analysis with Ban-mal. Drawing on both existing literature and empirical data collected between January and June 2025 from university classrooms, workplace meetings, online communities, and social media platforms, the research identifies Pyeong-eo as a distinct communicative register that, while borrowing elements from Ban-mal, diverges in form and ideological orientation. Specifically, Pyeong-eo omits vocative markers such as “-a” (아) and avoids pronouns like “neo” (너) and “ya” (야), instead favoring direct name references. Based on this analysis, the study synthesizes previously fragmented concepts and proposes a refined definition of Pyeong-eo as a formalized linguistic practice that promotes reciprocity, respect, and equality. I argue that Pyeong-eo represents a shift away from traditional dichotomy of Ban-mal and Jondaet-mal, embodying a new language ideology and establishing itself as a novel register within contemporary Korean discourse.
Key Words
Korean Equalizing Language, Pyeong-eo, Korean Informal Language, Ban-mal, Korean Formal Language, Jondaet-mal, Respect, Polite Ban-mal, Korean Honorifics, Language Ideology, Enregisterment, Reciprocity, Equality, Indexicality, Register, 평어, 반말, 존댓말, 상호 존중, 평등, 예의 바른 반말, 한국어 존대법, 언어 이데올로기, 상황 변이어, 지표성