This project explores the fundamental link between the Korean language and the cultural values of collectivism and Confucian hierarchy. In Korean society, communication is "relative"—the words one chooses are dictated by their social standing compared to the listener.
A primary focus of this research is the concept of "우리" (Our). Unlike the individualistic focus of English, Korean speakers use "Uri" to reinforce group identity, even when referring to personal items like "our home" or "our mom." Additionally, the study examines how the speech level plays an important role in Korean language and culture, further discover the use of Honorific System, where titles such as Oppa, Sunbae, and Nim replace names to maintain social harmony and show respect for seniority.
Here are the resources:
90 Day Korean. (2023, May 12). Korean honorifics: The complete guide to speaking respectfully. 90 Day Korean. https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-honorifics/
Brown, L. (2015). Expressive, social and gendered meanings of Korean honorifics. Korean Linguistics, 17(2), 242-266.https://doi.org/10.1075/kl.17.2.04bro
Moon, H. J. P. (2018, February 20). The notion of the collective self: Understanding "Uri". Hyunjinmoon.com. https://www.hyunjinmoon.com/uri-the-korean-notion-of-the-collective-self/
Talk To Me In Korean. (2020, November 5). How to address people in Korean [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8vI9M3N-7o
Tan, S. K. (2026). The role of Korean collectivism in South Korea's industrialization process. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342093055
University of Connecticut. (2021, April 15). Understanding honorifics in Korean culture. Department of Communication. https://comms.uconn.edu/2021/04/15/understanding-honorifics-in-korean-culture/
Wong, K. Y. (2011). The system of honorifics in the Korean language [Outstanding Academic Paper]. City University of Hong Kong. https://lbms03.cityu.edu.hk/oaps/ctl2011-4235-wky201.pdf
Here is the link to the presentation: https://canva.link/cvy6exohykdd2fw
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