As we all know, language is a mirror of culture. Language always reflects many aspects of the culture of a country in which the language is used. Korean culture is embedded in Korean and it is easy to tell when we are learning it.
One of the obvious characteristic of Korean is its polite forms. Korea is traditionally regarded as the country of courteous people in the East. Korean possesses several different expressions for the same word, ranging from simple polite forms to extreme polite form. People have to choose the appropriate word according to a person whom you are speaking to. I think this is the reflect of culture of filial duty to elder people and of bureaucratic culture. In addition, Korea also has the body language differs from other countries. Bowing is the traditional way of greeting and departing in Korea. For example, when giving or taking something from a stranger, someone older, someone of higher status, or someone with whom you have a formal relationship (such as a co-worker) use not one hand but two. If it is difficult to use both hands, you can take the object with your right hand as your left hand holds your right forearm.
Comments