Vowel Harmony In Korean

Abstract

This paper aims at presenting an alternative analysis of Korean vowel harmony that is simpler and more natural than previous ones. Through the examination of various factors from a historical perspective, the vowel system of present Korean is reanalyzed. By placing both A(ㅏ)and O(ㅗ) as harmonically [+low] in the four-height vowel system, and by analyzing A(ㅐ) and O(ㅚ) as underlyingly diphthongs, the longstanding problems created by diagonal harmonic division and dual harmonic distinctions are resolved without destroying the traditional concept of emotive features, [dark] and [light].