A Study on the Perceptions of Public Languages: Focused on the Public Language Related to COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the language perception patterns of the Daegu residents about the public language related to COVID-19. To this end, public language data posted by Daegu Metropolitan City were collected, individual vocabulary was selected, and 1,224 Daegu residents were surveyed for their interest and understanding of public language. Daegu citizens (92.4%) are using public language related to the COVID-19, and they are particularly interested in information related to the infected person and self-isolation related directly to the daily living environment of the COVID-19. The level of understanding of public languages r elated to COVID-19 is recognized as above the normal level. Of the total 123 target vocabulary and expressions, 96 items (about 78%) answered that they did not feel any difficulty. However, it is noteworthy that the top 5 vocabulary, which felt difficult, appeared only in items that convey vaccine-related information. Through this study, it was necessary to re-examine the public language related to the COVID-19.