Learning Journal 5

The Korean culture is one that is very collectivist. It values family over many other things so that the culture pays special attention to respect toward elders. This means that in this culture, many will interpret an individual's success as the result of good parenting and vice-versa. Due to this culture in Korea, there are different modes of the language when speaking to peers and when speaking to people older than you. There are specific ways to answer to your elders and specific ways to address them. In fact, some words are completely different when directed toward someone older. For example, the word birthday in Korean is 생일 (sang-il). However, when directed toward an adult, it is customary to say 생신 (sang-shin). The list goes on for words that are different depending on who it is directed to. In addition to speech, a lot of gestures must be changed in the presence of an adult as well. I was taught to not eat before an adult in the table has taken the first bite and not to put anything above my elbows on the dinner table. I was also taught to bow when greeting people that are older and also to use use two hands when receiving something. Most, if not all, actions require something changed in either speech or gesture in the presence of an elder. 

To incorporate this importance piece of culture into my learning plan, I have chosen to write letter to my parents to practice writing formally, order food in Korean to practice speaking to elders, and to watch the news since most of the news is in formal language. 

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Comments

  •  I like how you mention that an individual's success is basically the success of the family. This seems very different compared to America where the individual is emphasized instead.

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