[One Thousand Characters a Day] Park Ilhwan's 'Discovery of Uiseong's Onomatopoeia' <5>

Editor's NoteWangwang, Daenggeuldaenggeul, Jorangjorang... all are words that represent the sound of reading books or texts. However, there are subtle differences in their nuances: ‘Wangwang’ refers to a clear and high-pitched sound of reading aloud fluently without any blockage; ‘Daenggeuldaenggeul’ describes the sound or appearance of reading a book fluently and smoothly; ‘Jorangjorang’ refers to the sound of a young person continuously reciting or speaking smartly. The sound of repeatedly reading or chanting texts or songs quietly to oneself is called ‘Eungeoreungeol,’ and the manner of stammering slowly and hesitantly while speaking or reading is called ‘Tteodeumjeoktetteodeumjeok.’ This book, Discovery of Onomatopoeia and Mimetic Words, contains stories about the rich and marvelous Korean language. The author, Park Ilhwan, won the Jeontaeil Literary Award for short stories in 1992 and was recommended for poetry in Writers Opening Tomorrow in 1997. Having worked as a Korean language teacher for 30 years, he wrote Saving Kim Sowol Trapped in Azaleas, Studying Poetry Writing for Youth, and published works expressing his affection for the Korean language and script such as Korean Teacher Awakens the Sleeping Korean Language, Every Little Detail of Korean Proverbs, and Crazy Korean Dictionary. Even after retirement, he continues writing and exploring Korean dictionaries. Word count: 874.

There are sounds that are unpleasant to hear and sounds that are pleasant. What kind of sounds are pleasant and pleasing to the ear?

Samhuiseong (三喜聲): The three sounds that bring joy to the heart. It refers to the sound of pounding cloth, the sound of reading aloud, and the sound of a newborn baby crying.

This phrase’s origin, including who selected and spread these three sounds, is unknown. However, many people resonate with this classification, which is why the term Samhuiseong (三喜聲) has been passed down until now. Let’s explore the words that represent the sound of reading aloud.

Wangwang: The clear and high-pitched sound of reading aloud fluently without blockage.

Wengweng: The loud and high voice of reading aloud fluently without blockage.

When hearing ‘Wangwang’ or ‘Wengweng,’ most people naturally think of the buzzing sound of mosquitoes. In fact, these two words are homonyms that also mean ‘the sound of small flying insects or stones rapidly flying in succession.’ It is unknown why such sounds came to be used to describe reading aloud, but actual usage can be found in old writings.

▶ Mansuhyang-eul piwonotko geureul wangwang wigo itsseumnida. (Dong-A Ilbo, 1925. 8. 10.)

This is a passage from an article reporting on the recent status of Yukdang Choi Namseon. Similar usages can be found in other writings as well. The word ‘Yongyong,’ which also refers to the sound of flying insects like mosquitoes, does not have the meaning of the sound of reading aloud.

Daenggeuldaenggeul: The sound or appearance of reading a book fluently and smoothly without blockage.

Daenggeuldaenggeul (alternate spelling: Daenggeuldeunggeul): The sound or appearance of reading a book fluently and continuously without blockage.

Before knowing their meanings, it is hard to associate these words with the sound of reading. If forced to connect, these words give a feeling of something rolling, which might evoke the sound or appearance of the tongue rolling smoothly while reading.

- Park Ilhwan, Discovery of Onomatopoeia and Mimetic Words, Saramin, 17,000 KRW