Second Cultural Post: Formality and Informality in Target Language
In Korean, speaking in formality and informality is an important part of their culture. Korean has six formal speech forms and one informal speech form, showing different levels of respect in the language.
In Korea, it doesn’t matter if a person is a year older than you, they are still older than you, and you must speak in a formal and polite form of speech to them. If you are born in the same year, you are considered 친구 (friend) and can use informal and impolite form of speech (반말) with them. You are also able to speak 반말 those younger than you.
Not using formal or polite speech to someone elder is considered rude and disrespectful. So, you should also speak in a formal or polite form of speech to someone older, unless they tell you otherwise. This is common when you become closer to someone and they don’t mind you speaking on a casual level with them.
The level of formal speech depends on who you are talking to:
- Extremely formal and polite- traditionally used when addressing a king, queen, or high official; now used only in historical dramas and the Bible
- Formal and polite- Used commonly between strangers
- Formal, of neutral politeness- Spoken form used nowadays only among some older people.
- Formal, of neutral politeness- Generally used only by some older people when addressing younger people, friends, or relatives.
- Formal, of neutral politeness or impolite- Used to close friends, relatives of similar age, or younger people
- Informal and polite-Used mainly between strangers, especially those older or of equal age.
- Informal, of neutral politeness or impolite- Used most often between close friends and relatives, and when addressing younger people.
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