Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

When a foreigner speaks Korean, is it appropriate to use phrases such as �츮�� (Korean) and ��󳪶� (Korea)? I mean, it's not exactly "our language" or "our land," but to not say so seems, to me, to connote that Korea and the Korean language is somehow superior to other nations and languages. That ain't right, is it?

What if you're a criminal/Canadian and you want to talk about your home and native land -- wouldn't using �츮���� in this case be a tad confusing to the listener?

And, 2, why in the name of all things holy is it perfectly acceptable for Koreans abroad, whilst in conversation with other Koreans, to refer to the citizens of the country in which they are staying in as �ܱ��� ?

Sparkles*_*

[tzechuk]

I wouldn't use *�츮* simply because my understanding of the term ,*�츮* is rather exclusive..

As for the other question... I don't know. I don't understand the question

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[Son Deureo!]

I don't think that there are any set rules about who can say �츮, but I can tell you that since most Koreans are only used to hearing the Korean language being spoken by Koreans they are not particularly used to hearing "�츮" being used to refer to anything that is not Korean.

I often use the term �츮 ���� to refer to MY country (U.S.A.) largely because it amuses me to do so, and nine times out of ten the listener understands that I am talking about my home and not theirs, but I have run into Koreans that have been confused by it. All the same, a lot of the non-Koreans I know who speak Korean do the same thing, so whether Koreans are used to it or not it does seem to be a common practice. IMHO it's just one more thing Koreans will have to get used to as Korea joins the larger world.

As for the term �ܱ��� it may be useful to think of it as meaning "people who are not Korean". When Koreans use it to communicate with each other it makes perfect sense to them, so who are we really to correct them?

However, when my students try to do the same thing in English, talking about all the "foreigners" they met when they were in America (or wherever), I'm quick to point out that when they're in America, THEY'RE the foreigners.

[tzechuk]

Oh I understand the question now, having read it again.

Well, it's basically what SD has said already. �ܱ� means outside country and it's a term common not just in Korea but also in China/Hong Kong. I guess they just got used to saying it.

[TheMrCul]

Yeah if we use �츮���� it means "my country" like "�츮 �Ƴ�" is my wife "�츮 ����" is my mum etc.
The Koreans I've used this with understand me completely.

I told one friend a little while ago that I really hated �츮 this and �츮 that. She explained that since Korea is an "including culture" a "we culture" that when you say "�츮����" and "�츮��" it's including the listener which makes everyone happy so I do it too now.

[Cedar]

I have always had a hard time with this same one. Usually I just use the names of all countries (or languages). Because otherwise someone is confused, sooner or later.

[jajdude]

Imagine saying to a Korean: "Do you speak our language?"

But Koreans use that �츮 in lots of ways. My parents, my teacher, etc... they still use it referring to oneself only.

[jajdude]