The Analysis of Language Styles Used by the Main Characters in the Dialogues in Webtoon Get Schooled

Abstract

 This thesis explores the language styles used by Na Hwajin and Im Hanrim, the main characters in the webtoon Get Schooled by Chae Yong Taek. The analysis is based on Martin Joos' language style theory from his book The Five Clocks, which categorizes language into five styles: Frozen, Formal, Consultative, Casual, and Intimate. The study aims to identify and categorize the language styles of these characters, providing insights into their use of dialects and the implications within the narrative context. The research questions focus on identifying the language styles used by Na Hwajin and Im Hanrim and determining the most dominant styles. The goal is to show the different language styles and identify the most prevalent ones among the main characters. The scope of this study includes analyzing the language styles in episodes 1 to 111 of the webtoon, concentrating on the dialogues of Na Hwajin and Im Hanrim. Using Joos' theory and supporting references from books, journal articles, and online sources, the study analyzes the dialogues, revealing that Na Hwajin utilizes 64 language styles and Im Hanrim 45. For Na Hwajin, the breakdown is: 0% Frozen, 0% Formal, 32.8% Consultative, 67.2% Casual, and 0% Intimate. For Im Hanrim, it is: 0% Frozen, 2.2% Formal, 37.8% Consultative, 60% Casual, and 0% Intimate. The most dominant language style for both characters is the Casual Style, reflecting their informal and everyday conversational interactions. The Consultative Style is the second most dominant, highlighting their roles as teachers.