SDLC 110: Cultural Post #2

[Jinhoo Bong]

In the Korean culture, there is an important difference between being formal and informal. As I have presented, respect plays a big role in the culture. Through the importance of respect, formality and informality play a big part of the culture. The respect required of the younger people of Korea towards the elders is a crucial aspect. Showing any form of informality towards an elder person or anyone who holds a great amount of respect in the country would be extremely rude, and would account for unpleasant consequences. With formality comes a certain type of speaking and behaving. Informality is usually only allowed among friends or with those younger than yourself, but when interacting with anyone older or anyone who holds a place of power in the country, it is imperative that one uses formal language and behavior. Especially because Korea is a culture where it is not individualistic but rather group focused, each individual represents their family. And if one acts wrongly, the whole family will be judged so Korea takes it very seriously when differentiating between the use of formality and informality.  Because one represents the whole, each individual holds a great burden in reflecting the nature of their family line and therefore being able to identify when to be formal and informal is very important. One mistake in one's behavior may bring shame and disrespect for the family.