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There are various theories about whether Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje spoke different languages. However, according to the fragmentary historical records that remain, the prevailing view is that the three kingdoms shared a certain degree of linguistic similarity that allowed communication without the need for interpretation. Of course, as with much of ancient Korean history, the extreme scarcity of records means the truth lies beyond a kind of historical “event horizon” – unless we invent a time machine. The basis for this comes from Chinese historical records. Of course, it is up to you to judge whether China, as a third party, recorded Korean history with full accuracy. “(Silla) did not have writing, so they carved on wood to communicate their intentions. Their language could only be understood through Baekje.” → Confirms linguistic similarity between Baekje and Silla. “(Baekje’s) current language and clothing are almost the same as Goguryeo’s, but they differ in that they do not spread their arms when walking, and they do not stretch one leg when bowing.” “(Baekje’s) language and clothing are roughly the same as Goguryeo’s.” → Confirms linguistic similarity between Baekje and Goguryeo. Also, although this falls into the realm of speculation, there are no records stating that interpreters were used or that there were difficulties in communication during diplomacy, warfare, or surrender among the Three Kingdoms. If the Joseon dynasty or Korea’s modern and contemporary history, which torments researchers with overflowing historical records, is a process of cross-verifying an overwhelming number of records to interpret them as close to the truth as possible – then Korea’s ancient history or the medieval period represented by Goryeo is an annoying task of having to draw the overall outline with the fragmented puzzle of insufficient records. Especially because a large portion of the linguistic material that could be used to reconstruct Old Korean has been lost, scholars inevitably hold differing views. Only a very small amount of material on the Silla language remains submitted by /u/Embarrassed_Clue1758 |
Did the languages of the Three Kingdoms understand each other during Korea’s Three Kingdoms period?
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