Korean Adoptees’ Discursive Construction of Birth Family and Adoptive Family Identity Through Names and Labels

Abstract

Framed by a social constructionist approach to language, this study explored Korean adoptees’ naming and labeling practices for members of their birth family and the motives underlying these choices. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 Korean adoptees who had reunited with at least one member of their birth family. Participants discussed how they addressed (named) and referred to (labeled) members of their birth family, and explained why these names and labels were used. Most participants used Korean terms of address (e.g., 엄마: omma for mother, 아빠: appa for father) to address members of their birth family. Other participants used labels from their own “native” (i.e., their adopted country’s) language, avoided addressing their birth parents, or, occasionally, used their birth parent’s first name. Participants tended to refer to their birth families as their birth/biological family, or Korean family; however, some participants stated that their terms of reference depended on context. Participants’ naming choices reflected three main motives: an appeal to family identity (relative closeness to their birth or adoptive family), an appeal to outsiders (to protect the feelings of their adoptive family), and an appeal to pragmatism (for clarity). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Adoption
• Family Communication
• Intercultural Communication
• Relationships
• Reunion