The research presented here is a survey study that addresses language use, proficiency, attitudes and identity of Korean-heritage children in China. Since South Korea established diplomatic relations with China, a large number of Koreans have settled ...
The research presented here is a survey study that addresses language use, proficiency, attitudes and identity of Korean-heritage children in China. Since South Korea established diplomatic relations with China, a large number of Koreans have settled in major Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao and Tianjin but also in medium-sized international trading cities, such as Ningbo, Yiwu, Shaoxing. This study examines how Korean-heritage children communicate in their everyday lives, their proficiency in Korean as a heritage language and their attitudes towards the Korean language and cultural identity. It also examines the relationship between cultural identity and language proficiency as well as factors affecting the maintenance of the Korean language and cultural identity. Survey questionnaires completed by 31 students aged 10 to 22 years with Korean cultural roots provided the data for this research. The paper presents an analysis of the results and discusses implications for language maintenance and the formation of cultural identity.