Many Korean language learners struggle with the accurate use of the nominative case markers '이/가' and the topic markers '은/는'. Even at intermediate and advanced levels, many learners still don't fully grasp their correct usage. This is because, until recently, there has been a lack of effective and systematic learning materials. However, thanks to the efforts of many researchers, the correct use of '이/가' and '은/는' is now possible through the analysis of given and new information markers.
Now, let's take a closer look at what given and new information are, and how this marker analysis is performed.
1. Given and New Information:
1) Given information (舊情報) refers to information that is already known, information that the listener already knows.
2) New information (新情報) is used when information is mentioned for the first time or is relatively new to the listener.
3) For example, regarding given information:
은/는 (primarily used for given information): Used to emphasize already known information or to continue the flow of conversation.
Example: "The tree is big." (Emphasizes already known information about the tree)
4) For example, regarding new information:
이/가 (primarily used for new information): Used to specify or emphasize something.
Example: "A tree is big." (Conveys the new information that there is a tree)
Let's specifically find and analyze the markers for new and given information.
2. Given and New Information Marker Analysis
1) Given Information Marker Analysis
"Korea is located in Asia."
☞ Explains already known information, Korea's geographical location.
"Our class is full of students."
☞ Emphasizes already known information, the students gathered in the classroom.
☞ The part using the particle '는' can be interpreted as emphasizing the already known fact in the situation, that is, the information that "I am a teenager".
"That outfit suits you well."
The part using '은' indicates an evaluation of "that outfit," which is already known information.
"I like cats, but I don't like dogs."
☞ The part using '는' emphasizes the already known information, "cats".
"That movie was really fun."
☞ The part using '는' shows the tone regarding "that movie," which is already known information to the listener.
☞ The part using '은' explains the characteristic of "summer," which is already known information.
"Our class will graduate next year."
☞ The part using '은' conveys information about "our class," which is already known information.
"Korea has various traditional cultures."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the characteristics of "Korea," which is already known information.
"The desk is too high to sit at comfortably."
☞ The part using '은' explains the inconvenient situation regarding the "desk," which is already known information.
☞ The part using '은' asks about the status of "rice," which is already known information.
"This task is difficult, so I need help."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the difficulty of "this task," which is already known information.
"Our house is convenient because it's close to the subway station."
☞ The part using '은' explains the locational advantage of "our house," which is already known information.
2) New Information Marker Analysis
"A new employee came to the company."
☞ The part using the particle '이' emphasizes the information about the "new employee," which is mentioned for the first time.
"This news is really great."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new feeling about this news, the fact that it is "great."
"The newly opened cafe is receiving a lot of attention."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the attention given to the "newly opened cafe," which is mentioned for the first time.
"This movie seems like it will win an award."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the expectation or feeling about "this movie," which is mentioned for the first time.
"Today, I have a new task."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about today, the fact that "a new task has been given."
"This week, I have travel plans, so I'm excited."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about this week, the fact that "there are travel plans."
"This data contains new research findings."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about this data, the fact that it "contains new research findings."
"A new library has opened in my neighborhood."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the information about the "new library," which is mentioned for the first time.
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about today, the fact that "it is snowing."
"This news was a big shock to me."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new feeling about this news, the fact that it was "a big shock."
"The newly developed app is becoming popular with many people."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the information about the "newly developed app," which is mentioned for the first time.
"This movie seems likely to attract attention."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the expectation or feeling about "this movie," which is mentioned for the first time.
"With many freshmen enrolling, the campus atmosphere has become fresh."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the new fact about the "freshmen," which is mentioned for the first time.
"Today, I've been given a new assignment."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about today, the fact that "a new assignment has been given."
"This week, I plan to start a new project."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about this week, the fact that "a new project will be started."
"This material contains the latest research results."
☞ The part using '은' emphasizes the new information about this material, the fact that it "contains the latest research results."
"With the introduction of new technology, productivity has significantly improved."
☞ The part using '이' emphasizes the information about the "new technology," which is mentioned for the first time.
We have examined the definitions and marker analysis of given and new information. As a result, the particle '은/는' was used to emphasize already known information or to continue the flow of conversation, while the particle '이/가' was used to specify or emphasize newly introduced information.
These linguistic characteristics play an important role in enhancing the expressiveness of Korean and ensuring clear communication. Therefore, in Korean language education, the ability to appropriately select particles according to the given context is crucial, emphasizing that this is an essential element for learners to achieve effective communication.
While teaching Korean to foreigners, I have previously taught the usage of '(이/가)' and '(은/는)' without a precise understanding of their usage. However, through this assignment, I have come to understand that an understanding of new and given information helps in the usage of '(이/가)' and '(은/는)'. Considering this assignment as an opportunity to further educate myself on Korean semantics, I will strive to learn and correctly apply this knowledge in practice.
Kim, Young-il, “A Study on the Semantic Function and Contextual Model of ‘은/는’ and ‘이/가’ for Korean Language Education”, Master's Thesis, Sookmyung Women's University, 2012.
National Institute of Korean Language, Sejong Korean 1, Sejong Institute, 2014
Hwiha, A Comparative Study of '-이/가' and '-은/는', Master's Thesis, Incheon National University Graduate School, 2010; Choi, Dong-ju, The Appearance Pattern of ‘은/는’ and ‘이/가’, Master's Thesis, Yeungnam University Graduate School, 2012
Kim, Il-gyu, “Korean ‘-은/는’ and ‘-이/가’, What and How to Teach?”, Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language, 2016