Journal Entry #1: Mastering Formal Speech and Respect
Date: 1/27/26
Task: Setting up a study plan with my tutor, David; learning "workplace" grammar and honorifics.
Objectives: To transition from casual "home" Korean to the formal register required for a professional café environment.
I am starting this language journey because I want to reconnect with my roots and improve my future career prospects in Korea. As a Korean-American, I have always felt a bit stuck with my language skills. I know enough to get by, but I have always had trouble communicating deeply with my grandparents and my cousins when I visit Korea. This summer, I am planning to move to Korea to find a part-time job as a barista or baker. To do this, I need to master professional Korean that goes beyond what I use at home. My goal is to be able to handle a job interview, take orders, and talk to customers in a way that is respectful and natural. This first week was about realizing that the way I talk to my parents is not the way I can talk to a boss or a customer in Seoul.
My primary goal for this session was to learn Sipsio-che (하십시오체)—the most formal way to speak. In Korea, there is a major focus on the gap-eul (갑을) relationship. This describes the social ladder between a service worker and a customer. To be a successful barista or baker in Seoul, I have to show that I understand my place on that ladder through my speech.
David and I practiced ending every sentence with -simnida (습니다). It feels very stiff and formal compared to my usual direct style, but David explained it is a non-negotiable requirement for job interviews. I practiced this new way of speaking at my Korean church this Sunday. Instead of just saying a casual "Hi" to the jangno-nim (장로님—church elders), I used the formal "humble" verbs like deurida (드리다—to give) instead of juda (주다) when offering them water. One of the elders seemed impressed that my Korean sounded so "polite" and mature.
Reflection: I realized that my usual way of talking is very "to the point," but in a Korean workplace, being too direct can actually seem mean or rude. I learned that using the right grammar is about more than just being correct; it’s about showing that I am a mature person who knows how to respect others. This session helped me realize that I need to be careful with my tone so I don't sound too blunt when I'm working. I need to treat every interaction like a performance of respect. If I can master this formal level of speech, I’ll feel much more confident going into my summer interviews.
Date: 1/27/26
Task: Setting up a study plan with my tutor, David; learning "workplace" grammar and honorifics.
Objectives: To transition from casual "home" Korean to the formal register required for a professional café environment.
I am starting this language journey because I want to reconnect with my roots and improve my future career prospects in Korea. As a Korean-American, I have always felt a bit stuck with my language skills. I know enough to get by, but I have always had trouble communicating deeply with my grandparents and my cousins when I visit Korea. This summer, I am planning to move to Korea to find a part-time job as a barista or baker. To do this, I need to master professional Korean that goes beyond what I use at home. My goal is to be able to handle a job interview, take orders, and talk to customers in a way that is respectful and natural. This first week was about realizing that the way I talk to my parents is not the way I can talk to a boss or a customer in Seoul.
My primary goal for this session was to learn Sipsio-che (하십시오체)—the most formal way to speak. In Korea, there is a major focus on the gap-eul (갑을) relationship. This describes the social ladder between a service worker and a customer. To be a successful barista or baker in Seoul, I have to show that I understand my place on that ladder through my speech.
David and I practiced ending every sentence with -simnida (습니다). It feels very stiff and formal compared to my usual direct style, but David explained it is a non-negotiable requirement for job interviews. I practiced this new way of speaking at my Korean church this Sunday. Instead of just saying a casual "Hi" to the jangno-nim (장로님—church elders), I used the formal "humble" verbs like deurida (드리다—to give) instead of juda (주다) when offering them water. One of the elders seemed impressed that my Korean sounded so "polite" and mature.
Reflection: I realized that my usual way of talking is very "to the point," but in a Korean workplace, being too direct can actually seem mean or rude. I learned that using the right grammar is about more than just being correct; it’s about showing that I am a mature person who knows how to respect others. This session helped me realize that I need to be careful with my tone so I don't sound too blunt when I'm working. I need to treat every interaction like a performance of respect. If I can master this formal level of speech, I’ll feel much more confident going into my summer interviews.
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