The Korean language belongs to the Koreanic language family, which primarily includes the standard dialect spoken in South Korea and North Korea. This language family is unique, as it is not definitively classified within any larger language family, making it a subject of interest among linguists. Korean is characterized by its use of an alphabet called Hangul, created in the 15th century. The language has a complex system of honorifics that reflects social hierarchy and relationships. Despite its isolation, Korean has borrowed vocabulary from Chinese, Japanese, and English, enriching its lexicon over time.