Learn Korean: Part 2
Part 1 of this series covered the language and language families in general for the Asian languages. Part 2 will cover the social conduct that is seen throughout Asian countries.
To begin, the social structure in Asia, and especially East Asian countries, stems from Taoism and Confucianism philosophies.
Confucianism
Confucianism has played a big role in setting the social structure in Asia and has more influence than any other belief or philosophy has. Now before I begin, keep in mind I am not saying all Asians follow the Confucian religion, but deep down in Asian culture there are Confucian beliefs. An Asian person may not even recognize what they do as Confucian beliefs, yet it still shapes their beliefs and morals.
One of the major structures in Asian culture influenced by Confucianism is the family structure. One of the Confucian beliefs is respect for parents. This explains why Asian children are almost always so respectful of their parents and do everything they are told. Kids will be kids, and disobedience always enters the picture. If you look at the larger picture however, you will find that Asian culture puts great respect on elders and people are trained that way from birth. Anyone older than you is going to be respected. This is so important in Asia that it is structured into the language itself. In Korea, there will be different endings for verbs, and sometimes different verbs altogether that need to be used depending on who you speak with. If you speak to someone older than you, you will need to use a polite and honorific style of speech. It differs from English in the fact that the actual language and words change. In English, it is simply acceptable to speak politely and add a sir on the end for example. The language doesn't change however. Both languages have their own ways to show respect. Korean just has it actually included in the words and basic structures of the language.
Some other Confucian beliefs that have structured Asian culture are humility, honesty and trustworthiness, and loyalty.
Taoism
While I mention beliefs, I feel I should introduce Taoism and how it has influenced Asian culture as well. To start off, what is Taoism? Basically, Taoism beliefs strongly link man to nature. Men will search and find harmony and peace, usually in nature. Taoism says everything is connected and their is energy that flows between everything. A common power runs through everything. Many Asians will follow some beliefs of Taoism. Once again, it may not be about the religion, but just the whole philosophy of it. Searching for peace and harmony can be a great thing for anybody to do. I believe everybody could use a little more peace and harmony in their lives. Nature really does have some power over people when it comes to peace. Try sitting in an open, beautiful field with a slow breeze. If it doesn't calm you down and relax you, then something is odd. Unfortunately it is hard for most people in the United States (or many other countries for that matter) to do this. Industrialization has taken over and lives are too busy. You can definitely try to make do with what you have though. Fortunately for Asia, there are still many beautiful landscapes virtually untouched by industrialization. Nature is everywhere in Asia. You will find some of the most beautiful palaces situated on lily ponds (such as Gyeongbokgung Palace in near Seoul).
Wherever it may be, everyone can find an escape in nature. Asians have realized this and have grown to love nature. They also have set up a social structure of great respect for others.
Part 3 will teach Korean and Asian culture through details on Korean schools and educational systems. Stay tuned and check back soon!
Learn Korean Language is a site based on teaching the Korean language. It also provides details on Korean culture, Korean foods, Korean recipes, Korean music, everything Korean!
Latest News
Cadence Introduces Industry's First Family of MIPI Standard ... MarketWatch - , , ) , the leader in global electronic design innovation, today introduced six additional verification IP (VIP) to its Incisive(R) VIP portfolio, ... Cadence Introduces Industry's First Family of MIPI Standard ... Cadence Provides Open Source OVM Adoption Solution for VMM Users ... Mentor Graphics Delivers Solution for SystemVerilog Base Class ... |
Slipping down the slope of YouTube's new sex and language guidelines Los Angeles Times, CA - Even a cursory glance at the content of many original videos, and the comments on every video, shows that questionable language is baked into the YouTube ... |
Lingo Media Corporation: Speak2Me Launches Version 1.0 to Web ... MarketWatch - Using speech recognition technology, Speak2Me provides more than 350-targeted language lesson modules involving interactive conversations with a virtual ... |
Optimum Online Launches Optimum Latino, New Website That Delivers ... MarketWatch - today announced that it has launched Optimum Latino, an innovative web channel that delivers high-quality Spanish-language content for Optimum Online ... Optimum Online Launches Optimum Latino, New Website That Delivers ... |
KnowledgeLake, Inc. Releases Multiple Language Support for Product ... MarketWatch - The localized versions of KnowledgeLake products allow users to work in their preferred language that include Spanish, German, French, Italian, ... |
Dow Jones to launch Japanese-language site Reuters - N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Dow Jones & Co is expected to launch a Japanese-language website in the first half of 2009, its top editor Robert ... |
![]() CNET News | Sun's JavaFX Scripting Tools Counter Ajax, Flex InformationWeek, NY - Like Silverlight and Ajax, the JavaFX scripting language can be used to build rich, interactive Web applications and adaptable user interfaces for ... JavaFX Finally Makes its ... Sun's JavaFX RIA technology now available With JavaFX, Sun seeks new coders, new revenue |
Knowledge of Chinese language may help some students advance careers Brown and White, PA - But for Sexton, learning a different language had an unanticipated benefit: getting the correct medical treatment while studying abroad in Nanjing, China. ... Applications and enrollment from Chinese students rising |
Deutschland Magazine Offers Free Content Service MarketWatch - WASHINGTON, Dec 04, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Deutschland Magazine is Germany's most international periodical with 11 different language ... |
![]() RTE.ie | New year plan for language paper BBC News, UK - Culture Minister Gregory Campbell plans to submit a paper to the executive in the new year on a strategy for minority languages. Mr Campbell was speaking on ... Date set for NI Irish language strategy |
Resources
-
Learn a new foreign Language easily - Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Russian
Language Passion - Easily learn a new foreign Language online today. Learn Spanish, Japanese, German, Chinese, French, Russian or any other foreign Language you choose. Learn any Language today and speak with a foreign tongue in a matter of months.
-
CMATHER.COM Premium Classified Network
CMATHER.COM Classified Advertising - Premium Advertising
-
One Hour HTML - Learn the Language of the Web...fast!
Learn HTML fast with One Hour HTML
-
Sign Language for Babies and Beyond
Learn How to Communicate With Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Speak Using American Sign Language! Includes Video of 250 Signs!
-
How to Hypnotically Influence Other People
a course by Wang Jian to teach you how to write hypnotic Language to make others obey your command.
-
Travellingwords.com - Your mp3 Language crash course for your vacation
Travellingwords.com - Your mp3 Language crash course for your vacation. Going abroad tomorrow? Download your Language course today. international, travel, travel, Language, holiday, travlang, foreign destination, communication, vacation, course, mp3, shor
-
Dating Advice for Men - How to Approach Women, Attract Women, and Meet Girls
How to Approach Women, Talk to Women and Attract Women. Dating Advice for Men and How to Meet Girls. Learn How to Read Body Language, Dating Tips, How to Get a Girlfriend.
-
Business English Language Multimedia Grammar Practice
ESL quizzes and EFL exercises covering grammar, vocabulary, multi-word verbs
-
ThaiVoc - Learn Thai Now!
Learn the Thai Language with IPA and AUA phonetic Windows software.
-
English Romanian Dictionary Online - Dictionar Englez Roman
Learn Romanian Language: Romanian English Dictionary online and download, conversation guide. Information about Romania: travel, culture, and more.

