Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Louis VI]

"You should learn the Korean language."
"You shouldn't play hangman."
You should do this, you shouldn't do that.

HOGWASH!

One of the great things about working abroad for a while is to get away from the narrow minded judgements of those within one's own society.

We are guests and we are workers, essentially that is all where our responsibilities lie. No more, no less.

[8 years down]

It has more to do with their mastery of the language.

They often use "should" and "shouldn't" because they don't know a more appropriate way of saying it.

If I say "It might not be a great idea to play hangman too much" it can be taken a whole different way. You will get the point and not feel offended.

[schwa]

8 years down: I think Louis is referring to westerners on this board.

A long-ago acquaintance (a poet) once described "shoulds" to me as furry little critters constantly nipping at your ankles.

[SteveSteve]

Most Koreans that I know often misuse "should" when they want to say "have to" or "must." It's not a huge error, and I understand them. But I agree, it sounds a little weird sometimes.