A Semantic Analysis of (u)ni and (e)se

Abstract

In most books on Korean grammar-for example, Lukoff(l947), Vandesande and Park (1967), Martin and Lee(1968), or Defense Language Institute(1959)- one can find either a brief mention or some discussion of the verbal endings (u)ni and (e)se, with various examples hoping to demonstrate t.heir correct uses. Most students of Korean are aware of such syntactic and/or semantic problems as nun, ka, double subject, speech levels, and so forth. As for the verbal endings under consideration, it seems that they are rather straightforward, and that students learning Korean will not have much difficulty in understanding and learning how to use the forms. At least this seems to be what is suggested by the above-mentioned grammar books.