Do some research about the culture of your target language and write about the 'linguistic aspects', e.g., body language, how people talk about time, etc.
Last semester I was in enrolled in a course called Cross-Cultural Management in the business school, and we actually learned a lot about the culture and behaviors of Koreans in the workplace. We discussed the various models such as Hofstede’s model in class, and I was actually part of a group that presented on Asian culture. Koreans tend to be very collectivist in nature. They stick together, and make decisions as a group, tending to not separate their opinions from those from others’ or their bosses’. They are also monochronic, they begin and end things on time and as listed in programs, and they are almost never late without a good reason. Asian culture in general is very indirect. Koreans feel uncomfortable about giving direct negative advice or asking for something out right, they find a way to word sentences in a positive note. In general, Koreans keep to themselves in public and in the office. Without being prompted, most Koreans are quiet and subdued, taking their time to be polite to everyone and everything. This being said, Koreans also accept the hierarchical order of society. They do the work that they are told to do, and accept the direction of their supervisors and the older generation, without the questioning that would be common in Western societies. Korea is a not a very individualistic society. Furthermore, Koreans lead their lives looking towards the long-term, making decisions based on the impact of society in the future, and the direction in which they desire their lives to go to.
As I learned in my class, Korean culture is a stark contrast to American culture, as we act the opposite in every single aspect I have described so far. It is also important to note that societies and attitudes change. I think that while the old generations of Koreans are very much adherent to the standards I discussed, that geographic location, education, and the liberalness of young people may make these standards incorrect. I don’t think all people can be put down under the same behavior models, but as I also learned in my class, as behavior changes, models will change as well.
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