The main points of scholar Choi Hyeon-bae's "The Revolution of Letters" can be summarized in English as follows:
Choi Hyeon-bae's "The Revolution of Letters" explores the transformative power of letters, specifically focusing on the Korean alphabet, Hangul. In his work, he highlights several key points:
Independence of Hangul: Choi emphasizes that Hangul is a uniquely Korean creation, distinct from Chinese characters, and therefore plays a crucial role in asserting Korea's cultural identity and independence. He argues that embracing Hangul as the primary script is vital for preserving the integrity of the Korean language.
Simplicity and Accessibility: Choi celebrates Hangul's simplicity and phonetic nature, which make it accessible to a broader population. He contends that the ease of learning and using Hangul empowers individuals to participate actively in society and encourages literacy among all segments of the population.
Democratisation of Knowledge: Choi asserts that Hangul's invention facilitated the democratization of knowledge by enabling ordinary people to read and write. This led to a more inclusive society, where information and ideas could be shared more widely, fostering intellectual growth and social progress.
Cultural Revitalization: Choi argues that the adoption and widespread use of Hangul breathed new life into Korean literature, language, and culture. By providing a medium for expressing the unique nuances and subtleties of the Korean language, Hangul played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage.
Linguistic Evolution: Choi emphasizes that Hangul is not a static entity but a living script capable of evolving and adapting to the changing needs of the language. He encourages further research and exploration into Hangul's potential for innovation, such as its adaptability to technological advancements.
Overall, Choi Hyeon-bae's "The Revolution of Letters" advocates for the recognition and promotion of Hangul as an essential element of Korean cultural identity, asserting its significance in fostering independence, literacy, inclusivity, and cultural revitalization.