COMMUNICATING WITH IMMIGRANTS

Examining Korean Culture:

Map of Korea

South Korea population 48,747,000 - 2009

North Korea population23,906,070 - 2009

Geography Korea lies adjacent

to China and Japan.

The total area of the peninsula, including the islands, is 22,154 square kilometers.

There are about 3,000 islands belonging to Korea.

Korean Language

All Koreans speak one language.

Different dialects but they are similar enough to be understood by all Koreans

Korean has been labeled as “Ural-Altaic language group of Central Asia, which also includes Turkish, Hungarian, Finish, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Japanese” (Korean Press Center)

Unlike English, which is a tonal/phonemic language, Korean is a logographic language which uses the brains right hemisphere to assist in word processing (Sousa)

In English we follow the syntax rule of subject/verb/object while the Korean word order follows subject/object/verb (Sousa).

Language “The language is

spoken by more than 65 million people living on the peninsula

and 5.5 million living on the outlying islands as well as the Koreans living in other parts of the world” (Kwintessential, 2011)

The Korean language uses the hangul alphabet and has 14 consonants and 11 vowels (Korean Press Center)

Language Cont.

Hangul alphabet was invented in 1443 under Sejong the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, who called it Hunminjeongum (proper sounds to instruct the people).

Culture: Food/Eating Etiquette When in the company of

elders, take your seat according to social ranking.

The spoon and chopsticks should not be held together in one hand.

Be careful not to make noises when eating and drinking.

After a meal, return your spoon and chopsticks to the spot where they were placed.

When coughing or sneezing during a meal, turn your head to one side and cover your mouth with a handkerchief

Korean Traditional Dress The top part called a

jeogori is blouse-like with long sleeves with the men's version being longer, stretching down to the waist.

Women wear skirts (chima) while men wear baggy pants (paji).

Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occasions

Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors.

Education: 8am - 4pm

There are 8 subjects at the primary level, “ethics, Korean language, social studies, arithmetic, science, physical education, music, and fine arts (Korean Press Center)

After a small break Korean students will study on their own or with a private tutor till 10pm-12am

Education is a first priority

A common dream for parents to have for their children is for them to go to Korea University, Yonsei, or Seoul National University

Greatest Achievement-Family

Confucianism is about social hierarchy. This hierarchy provides an example of how individuals relate with one another

The father’s job is to provide for his family and make the important decisions

To follow the head of the household is “considered natural and a most admirable virtue” (Korean Press Center)

Taboos and Values

Values: Family Education Confucianism-

gave a code of ethics that guided Koreans in how they should relate to their family, spouse, and elders

Taboos: Premarital Sex Divorce Not showing

reverence for elders

Korean Culture Conclusion

In conclusion, Korean life is set around the Confucianism belief system which consists of Korean “customs, habits, and thought patterns. It gave a code of ethics that guided Koreans in how they should relate to their family, spouse, and elders. Under this disciplined way of life education was regarded with the highest importance. This then leads to the larger picture of creating moral citizens, a virtuous society, and a strong country.

•http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/south_korea.jpg

•http://www.mapsofworld.com/south-korea/geography/population.html

•http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/geography.htm

•http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://user.chollian.net/~jis0523/Images/language.jpg&imgrefurl=http://user.chollian.net/~jis0523/korea-language.htm&usg=__eA6z8xkEHlc0HbhikeoQTkOML7s=&h=385&w=365&sz=47&hl=en&start=5&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=xiCeqQSmRBoZNM:&tbnh=123&tbnw=117&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dkorea%2Blanguage%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4DKUS_enUS240US240%26tbm%3Disch&ei=IjAWTvHNDJT2swOn__3UDQ

•http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FO/FO_EN_6_5_1.jsp

Weblinks

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/culture/clothes/clothes.cfm

www.google.com/publicdata

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Peninsula

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/527388.jpg