Third Cultural Post: Formality and Informality in Target Language
In Korea, formality is an important part of the life of people. It expresses respect, agreement and trust. It is the age of the person we are communicating with that influence the way we are interacting. The language contains very distinct formalities and informalities. With elders and hierarchical superior it is mandatory and expected to use a formal way of speaking while with friends and younger people we can use a less formal language. Besides the language itself, gestures are tremendously important in communicating in Korea. You are expected to vow when saying hello or meeting an elder. Another example is that you are required to use both hands to give something to an elder, if not it will be perceived as rude and uninvolved. This respect for elders is also shown when clinking glasses with someone, it is extremely rude and irrespecutful to hold your glass higher than the elder's glass
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