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What is International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL)?

The International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) stands as one of the prestigious events among the 13 International Science Olympiads tailored for secondary school students. Since its inception in 2003, this annual competition has been a hub for young linguists from across the globe. Participants gather to embark on a thrilling intellectual journey, challenging their minds with some of the most intricate linguistic puzzles.

What makes IOL unique is that it welcomes contestants without any prerequisites of prior knowledge in linguistics or specific languages. Even the most complex problems presented here merely demand logical thinking, diligence, and the ability to think creatively. The IOL is a testament to the boundless possibilities of exploring the fascinating world of language and linguistics.

What is Korea Linguistics Olympiad (KLO)?

The Korea Linguistics Olympiad (KLO) is a nationally acclaimed linguistics competition held annually in South Korea, traditionally taking place in the month of November. It holds a crucial role in the process of selecting the team that will represent the Republic of Korea at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL). The KLO event is organized by the dedicated KLO organizing committee.

The official working language of KLO is Korean. Contestants can expect to receive problems and instructions in the Korean language and are required to respond in kind. KLO not only tests linguistic prowess but also serves as a platform for South Korean students to demonstrate their linguistic acumen on a national stage.

What is Asia Pacific Linguistics Olympiad (APLO)?

The Asia Pacific Linguistics Olympiad (APLO) is a regional linguistic competition specifically designed for the Asia-Pacific region. Commencing in 2019 with the participation of 10 countries and regions, APLO has grown to become an annual event eagerly awaited by linguistics enthusiasts. It plays a pivotal role as the second and final round in the selection process of Team Korea, which will go on to represent the country at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL).

Contestants have the flexibility to choose their preferred working language from a list of official languages, which includes both Korean and English.

Upcoming Contest

Last Updated Nov 15, 2023

Upcoming IOL: The 21st International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL 2024) will be held in July 2024, in Brasília, Brazil. You can find more information on the official website. Team Korea to IOL 2023 is chosen through national round (KLO 2023/24) and continental round (APLO 2024).

Upcoming APLO: The 6th Asia Pacific Linguistics Olympiad (APLO 2024) will be held on April 7th, 2024. You can find more information on the official website. The next APLO (APLO 2024) is scheduled in April 2024, which will serve as the second round of the selection process to IOL 2024. The Korean representatives to APLO 2024 will be chosen through KLO 2023/24.

Upcoming KLO: 2023/24 Korea Linguistics Olympiad (KLO 2023/24), which serves as the first round of the selection process for IOL 2024, was held on November 12th, 2023. The next KLO will be held in November 2024.

2023/24 Korea Linguistics Olympiad (KLO 2023/24)

Eligibility

The eligibility for KLO is open to anyone residing in Korea or holding Korean citizenship who is either:

1. a student affiliated with primary education (elementary, middle, or high school) in Korea, grades 6 to 11;
2. a home-schooling student who has never affiliated to secondary education (university, college, etc) AND was born in 2006 or later.

Logistics

1. When: November 12th, 2023, from 1 pm to 3 pm (check in by 12 pm).
2. Where: On-line, utilizing a remote invigilation system, Monito.
3. Registration Fee: 50,000 KRW (How much is that in USD? Link)
   • Please wire-transfer to 우리은행 1005-204-253670
   • You must submit the proof of wire transfer
4. Registration Deadline: October 29th, 2023, by 23:30 KST.
5. Video invigilation: you must be equipped with …
   • a stable internet connection for 3 hours during the contest,
   • a computer equipped with a webcam and Chrome browser,
   • an additional video invigilation tool such as a smartphone or a tablet PC.
6. The official working language of KLO is Korean.
   • Problems will be given in Korean and the contestants are expected to write answers in Korean.
7. Registration Link: KLO Registration System

IOL Team Selection Process

1. KLO (November 12th, 2023) — approx. 40-50 candidates chosen through KLO.
2. APLO (April 7th, 2024) — Final 8 representatives are chosen based on the APLO result.

Resources

• IOL Sample Problems (in English): https://ioling.org/problems/samples/
• APLO Past Problems (in English and Korean): https://aplo.asia/problems-by-year/
• NACLO Resource Page (in English): https://nacloweb.org/practice.php
• KLO Education Center (in Korean): https://edu.krlo.co.kr/

Contact

• KLO Organizing Committee <contact@krlo.co.kr>

FAQ

1. Can I apply for KLO and NACLO at the same time?
   > No, you’re not allowed to compete in multiple selection processes for IOL in the same year. Your eligibility for IOL is automatically revoked if it is confirmed that you have done so.
2. I live in South Korea but I am not a Korean citizen. Am I eligible for KLO?
   > Yes. As long as you are residing in South Korea and meet the age criteria, you are fully eligible to compete in KLO and be selected as a part of Team Korean to IOL.
3. I am a Korean citizen studying overseas. Am I eligible for KLO?
   > Technically, you are; but you are strongly recommended to compete in the local contest held in the region you’re residing in. For example, if you are a Korean citizen living in Hong Kong, you can compete in Hong Kong Linguistics Olympiad and be a candidate for the Hong Kong team to IOL.