This volume critically examines the phenomenon of "English fever" in South Korea from both micro- and macro-perspectives. Drawing on original research and rich illustrative examples, the book investigates two key questions: why is English so popular in Korea, and why is there such a gap between the 'dreams' and 'realities' associated with English in Korea? These questions are explored through the eyes of English-Korean translators and interpreters, who represent the professional group most intensely engaged in the zeal for English language mastery. Macro-perspectives focus on historical factors leading to the rise of English, with English-Korean translation and interpreting as a key theme. Micro-perspectives explore the dreams that individuals attach to English and the ways in which they imagine it can transform their lives, and contrast these dreams with the stark realities felt on the ground. The gaps between these dreams and realities are explored from various angles, which includecommodification, gender and neoliberalism. The book thus offers fresh insights on how the phenomenon of "English fever" has been created, reproduced, and sustained from both historical and contemporary viewpoints.

Klappentext
This volume critically examines the phenomenon of English fever in South Korea from both micro- and macro-perspectives. Drawing on original research and rich illustrative examples, the book investigates two key questions: why is English so popular in Korea, and why is there such a gap between the 'dreams' and 'realities' associated with English in Korea? These questions are explored through the eyes of English-Korean translators and interpreters, who represent the professional group most intensely engaged in the zeal for English language mastery. Macro-perspectives focus on historical factors leading to the rise of English, with English-Korean translation and interpreting as a key theme. Micro-perspectives explore the dreams that individuals attach to English and the ways in which they imagine it can transform their lives, and contrast these dreams with the stark realities felt on the ground. The gaps between these dreams and realities are explored from various angles, which includecommodification, gender and neoliberalism. The book thus offers fresh insights on how the phenomenon of English fever has been created, reproduced, and sustained from both historical and contemporary viewpoints.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: English in South Korea.- Part I English, Interpreting and the Media.- 2. English Language Learning and Interpreting.-  3. The Korean Media and English.- Part II Interpreting Selves in English.- 4. English to Actualize Upward Mobility.- 5. English as a Cause of Social Division.- Part III Behind the Glamour of English in the Media.- 6. Conflicts Between Dreams and Reality.- 7. English Education as a Cash Cow for Media Organizations.- 8. English and the Internationalization of Higher Education.- Part IV Conclusion.- 9. English in a Neoliberal Society.