SDLC 105 Learning Journal #2

[Enzo Vargas]

A major aspect of Korean linguistics lies in the use of honorifics. It's not uncommon or rude to ask for someone's age in order to use the correct honorific. In comparison to Western culture where it's rude to ask for someone's age, it's rude to use the incorrect honorific when addressing someone you’re talking to. Honorifics generally follow 3 levels of politeness: deferential polite, standard polite, and casual. The most polite form is most commonly used in a formal business setting when addressing higher ups. The second most polite form is generally used when addressing those older than you and people you meet for the first time. The casual form is used with people younger than you or people with whom you have a very close relationship with. As a beginner to the language, becoming familiar with all the honorifics is a difficult thing to learn, especially since honorifics don’t really exist in English or Spanish.