https://blogs.ubc.ca/twong540/final-project-describing-communication-technologies/
I have always been interested in how different languages and systems of writing developed, so it was intriguing to see Tristan’s infographic on the development of Hangeul alphabet, especially as much of my previous inquiries centred on Eurocentric languages and writing systems.
The idea that literacy and access to written language in pre-modern times is a fairly common theme. Nobility, aristocracy, or elites, (however it is defined), are often ‘holders’ of knowledge and use it as part of their entrenchment of power. According to Tristan’s analysis, the introduction of Hangeul democratized literacy in Korea. What’s also interesting is that, like the Roman/Latin alphabet, it simplified written language into phonetic script, with characters representing sounds, as opposed to the complexity of traditionally used Chinese characters.
Tristan also provides a compelling narrative, or perhaps legend, on the development of Hangeul script. Both benevolent and political, it appears that the new script democratized literacy, opened access to ordinary citizens, (including women), and provided strategic political support.
As far as the infographic design goes, I would suggest that it is engaging, and presents a narrative with a strong timeline to provide the reader with solid information. I appreciate that he dedicated a portion of the presentation to sharing how some marginalized groups, women and ordinary classes. It is well supported by scholarly sources, and uses its design elements to focus the attention of the viewer towards lenses of equity and social conditions and factors.
I wonder about the idea that language, written or otherwise, could be an agent of empowerment. So often, it seems, that language is leveraged to control ideas, movements, and peoples. I am also curious how the development of Hangeul text might compare to the development of other, phonetic-based languages?