A study of honorifics and honorific expressions in the Korean secondary school teacher recruitment examination

This paper is concerned with honorifics and honorific expressions in the Japanese language teacher employment examination in the period 2002–2023. The research utilized quantitative and qualitative perspectives and, through analysis and discussion, found that Sonkeigo, Kenjogo I, and Kenjogo II are often used as subjects in honorifics. Moreover, to pass the test, an understanding of the nature of the honorifics Sonkeigo, Kenjogo I, and Kenjogo II is required. Exam questions also addressed Kenjogo I, which uses double honorifics and giving and receiving verbs. Regarding honorific expressions, the exams included many items related to their use in interpersonal relationships, with a focus on the understanding that Uchi-soto's use of honorific expressions differs from Korean honorific expressions. Polite language behavior features asking for permission, complimenting, and inviting. We found the issue of patronage to be interesting, and this paper discusses differences in the nature of honorifics, their classification, aspects of their conversion into honorifics, and the advantages and disadvantages of recognizing honorific expressions.