ESL 21B 1761

Essay 1-2, Topic #1

July 6, 2007

Differences Between U.S. and Korean Culture

Today, we live in a generation where different cultures interact and live with one another. Thus, people unconsciously act in their own traditional ways, in which they were brought up by. However, due to the mixing of cultures there are conflicts among individuals with different standards. For example, in Korean culture showing proper respect to elders is one of the most important traditions carried on. This is shown not only by action, but there is a formal language spoken to elders, which differs from the informal way spoken to friends. In the United States respect is a concept, which is earned rather than expected due to age. Moreover, being kind and friendly, regardless of age, is taught from early childhood. Therefore, there are numerous significant differences between the U.S. and Korean culture, which could lead to misunderstandings and even seem undesirable to one another.

    First, one of the major differences between the U.S. and Korea is the way of thinking within their societies. The U.S. finds great importance in individualism. Furthermore, each person's uniqueness and pursuit of their dreams is highly recognized and respected. Also, expressing and voicing one's own opinion is almost always accepted. However, Korean society emphasizes collectivism. Koreans think family as a group and each individual is a member. Moreover, rather than personal goals, the group's goal is focusedAwkward. AccordinglyWForm to the article, "American Values and Assumptions" those who follow their traditions and bond to family members are considered as "overly dependent" by American normsWord Order. However, there is a great difference between a strong family bond and being overly dependent. In collectivism, harmony is valued. This does not mean that each person is always relying on the other, but rather that each person tries to work together. Due to the natural difference of individualist and collectivist cultures there are several other fundamental differences in the way of thinking and living.

    Another major difference in the American society is the way of thinking. In the U.S. many talk assertively in a direct manner, which is even advised in the workforce. However, Yaping Tang, the author of "Polite but Thirsty," was confronted with the difficulty of dealing with this assertive and direct American norm. In this article she was very thirsty and when someone offered her a drink she refused. Even though she did want something to drink. This kind of refusal shows her respect to the other by indicating she does not want to bother the other person. This is a common cultural norm in China. Thus, it is properly polite to refuse anything that is offered the first few times. However, the other American individual took this literally and did not offer something to drink again. Tang was greatly confused by the fact that this had occurred. However, Americans would be confused, because they will express clearly what they want or need. Thus, miscommunication does not only happen through language alone, but cultural differences are also a huge part of it.

    Even though the U.S. is fairly a young country, it has developed and grown with strength and speed. It is also, one of the leading countries in our current global market. However, many Americans have less value in their traditions. On the other hand Koreans who have a history well over 5,000 years highly value their cultural norms. Furthermore, in the U.S. new and better things are always welcomed and to some degree old ways are forgotten. This can be a positive aspect, to develop rapidly in comparison to other nations. However this can also hurt the identity of Americans, as culture and traditions slowly fade away. In Korea, there is much importance in valuing what their ancestors handed down. For example, there was a tree with great historical value in Seoul, Korea. As the government was constructing new streets for their capital city, this tree was in the way. However, instead of cutting this tree down, they built the rodeSpl around it, and thus it stands in the middle of a busy city street. Americans might see this as outrageous. Logically, it would make sense to cut the tree down in order to build a street that is more functional. Therefore, this is another example of different values of tradition contributing to misunderstandings, which may seem undesirable to one another.

     American culture compared to Korean culture hold several key differences, which can lead to misunderstood and undesirable perceptions of one another. These differences can be in the formation of societies. As mentioned whether the society is collectivist or individualist. Furthermore, miscommunications also happen due to differences in the meaning of politeness and manners. Finally, there is a difference in value of historical tradition. These are just few of the differences of the two cultures. However, more importantly instead of picking out the differences, both cultures need to recognize the differences and learn from one another. Thus, instead of thinking that one is right and the other is wrong, both cultures should be accepted for what they are. Ultimately, we live in a global melting pot where many cultures interact with one another. With this great opportunity comes the responsibility to learn and appreciate the diversity in cultural norms.