Sun-Hee Lee
Professor of Korean
Director of Korean program; focused on Korean language and culture, particularly corpus-based linguistic analysis and learner corpus research
I am a professor of Korean at the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. Since I arrived at Wellesley, I have had an honor to serve this wonderful academic community while developing a new Korean curriculum and carrying on my research and teaching.
In terms of research, I am a specialist in corpus linguistics, Korean grammar, and learner corpus research. The term 'corpus' refers to a database of "real world" texts or utterances; it is a collection of empirical language samples, such as spoken discourses from conversations, addresses, and lectures, and written texts including newspaper articles, essays, and academic texts. My work can be divided into two distinct data types: native language in context vs. learner language with errors. The corpus-based approaches are effectively used to identify meaningful language use and linguistic analysis of grammatical and discourse features. The methods and tools are also applicable for identifying error patterns and examining contrastive use between learners and native speakers. My goal is to apply effective corpus-based methods to resolve theoretically relevant issues and to explore the human mind and cultural behavior through language use in context. Whereas my research trajectory predominantly centered around grammatical properties, my recent research interests extend to genre and discourse analysis. I am currently working on corpus-based projects focusing on Korean formulaic and stance expressions, developing a Korean learner corpus, and examining public discourse on the North Korean defectors,#MeToo movement, and #AntiAsian Hate. In the long term, I would like to provide a comprehensive analysis of corpus-based Korean grammar while developing learner corpus research with large scale corpora and annotation. These two projects are closely connected because analysis of native linguistic usage serves as the basis for analysis of learner language.
I have taught Korean language courses at various levels and linguistics courses focusing on language use and culture, taught in English. In addition to language and culture courses (KOR 206: Introduction to Korean Culture and Language & KOR 256: Gender and Language in Modern Korean Culture), I developed a seminar course for majors (EALC 345 Language, Nationalism, and Identify in East Asia). I also offer a corpus linguistics course (LING 246/KOR246: Digital Language: Corpus Linguistics and Its Applications) at Wellesley. In summer 2022, I am teaching two graduate courses for M.A. students (Language Analysis and Corpus Linguistics for Korean Language Teachers) at Middlebury College in 2022.
As a teacher, my aim is to solidify fundamental knowledge and understanding in language and culture; to integrate comparative perspectives and cultural literacy; to guide students to become life-long learners with communicative competence, empathy, and self-reflection. Along with the advancement of pedagogical innovation and technology, I have been collaborating with wonderful colleagues in Korean Program and other programs and departments at Wellesley for developing the online and offline resources of the Blended Learning and a cocurriculum connecting the community of language learning and residential life and various internship opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean Program at Wellesley has launched new Global Language Buddy Programs in collaboration with Yonsei University and Konyang Cyber University in South Korea. Through these broad networks, I hope to connect Korean learners to the Korean culture, society, and beyond.
I have also supervised my students for independent study, thesis research, and preparations for graduate study, which has enriched the quality of my intellctual and personal life as an educator. I am also a founding member of New England Association of College Korean Educators (NEACKE).
In addition to professional activities, I enjoy hot yoga, HIT training, hiking, travelling, binge-watching movies/drama, and cooking.
Education
- B.A., Yonsei University
- M.A., Yonsei University
- Ph.D., Yonsei University
- Ph.D., Ohio State University-Main Campus
Current and upcoming courses
An Introduction to Korean Culture and Language: from P’ansori to K-pop (in English)
KOR206
This course aims to provide a fundamental understanding of Korean culture, society, and the Korean people by focusing on the Korean language. The development of language occurs in dynamic relation to culture and community. Topics include the origin and history of the Korean language, the writing system (Hangeul-Korean alphabet), different dialects (including North Korean dialects), cross-linguistic analysis, intercultural communication, language use in pop culture, language variation across generations, neologism (new word formation) and slang, etc. The historical trajectory of Korean will be examined in relation to relevant sociopolitical and cultural trends. We will also explore diverse issues in contemporary Korean and popular culture using articles, films, dramas, etc. This course is expected to develop cross-cultural perspectives on the Korean language and its rich cultural heritage.
-
Introduction to Korean Language and Culture with Field Study
KOR206L
This course aims to provide a fundamental understanding of Korean culture, society, and the Korean people by focusing on the Korean language. The development of language occurs in dynamic relation to culture and community. Topics include the origin and history of the Korean language, the writing system (Hangeul-Korean alphabet), different dialects (including North Korean dialects), cross-linguistic analysis, intercultural communication, language use in pop culture, language variation across generations, neologism (new word formation) and slang, etc. The historical trajectory of Korean will be examined in relation to relevant sociopolitical and cultural trends. We will also explore diverse issues in contemporary Korean and popular culture using articles, films, dramas, etc. This course is expected to develop cross-cultural perspectives on the Korean language and its rich cultural heritage.. Additionally, this course includes participation in an International Lab, which will take place in Seoul in May 2025. The course features two major projects designed to deepen students' understanding of and engagement with Korean culture, society, and language, utilizing immersive experiences planned during the Seoul trip. -
Kaleidoscope of East Asian Languages: Exploring Voices, Values, and Cultures
EALC123
This seminar explores linguistic tapestry of East Asia, focusing on the distinct features, structures, and variations that characterize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Through lively discussions and hands-on projects, we will examine the unique linguistic and cultural heritages of these languages. From their intricate writing systems and complex grammar to the diverse range of sociolinguistic patterns and dialects, we will uncover the layers that make each language unique. Central to our exploration will be the role of Confucian ideology, the vibrant influence of pop culture, and the transformative impact of AI technology on communication. Through this exploration, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how language profoundly influences and mirrors the rich diversity of life and thought in East Asia. (EALC 123 and LING 123 are cross-listed courses.)