Different country, Different manners
All of people in the world stress that we should be polite when we meet other people. Then, how can we become courteous person? Is it same the way that we act politely to someone both in United States and in Korea? So we should be careful when we face other people in other country. Some action can be courteous behavior in Korea, but it can be also rude attitude in USA. Then why each country has different good manners? History of individual country and culture make the differences.
First, each country has different history. History can decide that some action become polite or impolite behavior. For example, some for Korean sometimes ask about other people's ancestor when they think they become friendly. It is just one of the questions that we can ask to our friends. And asking ancestor of friends can show our interest to them. So it can be polite action. However If we do same thing in Australia, people must think we are rude. Why Australian hate to ask their ancestors? Their history explains about it. Many of Australian's ancestors were in the British lower class (such as farmer, criminal). They escaped from the Britain for rich life in a new world. And they founded Australia. For this reason, question about ancestor is bad manner in Australia.
If you believe that there are universal good manner, you may overlook the cultural differences between countries. All of countries of the universe have their own culture.
It is many cultural differences between USA and Korea. Korea has oriental culture and USA has occidental culture. In eastern countries such as Korea, Japan and China, communicating with neighbors was very important. Because these countries are based on the society of community. But USA have personal social. So they decide differently what a good manner is. For example, when new neighbors come next to us in Korea, we firstly greet to them and give something to eat like rice cake that means welcome. It is a good manner to our new neighborhood in Korea. However, people don't care about new neighbor in USA, because they are more independent than Korean. So they don't try to interfere with them. This case shows that cultural differences make different polite behavior.
When we go to the other lands, we should know about their history and culture. Without knowing them, we may act rude action in front of other people. But, if we study them, we can have good time with foreigner. Some of action could be universal good manners, but most of courtesy have differences in each individual countries.
You have well structured your essay with examples of the US and Korea which I found interesting! Obviously there are differences which I agree.
ReplyDeleteYour idea about how people in different countries have different manners is very interesting. Main reasons why people act in different manners you said was the history and culture. The example about Australian history and how they think about their ancestors is an adequate and powerful example to make your point. I think you developed your idea well and it is structured well.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it will be better if you explain how countries with different history have identical manners on the other hand. For example, Japan and Korea have different culture and history, but have similar manners like respect for older people and so on. Your writing will be more powerful if you explain it, and give reason why they can be neglected.
Also, you said “However, people don't care about new neighbor in USA, because they are more independent than Korean.” However, is that really because Americans are more independent? It sounds like you are saying that Koreans are more dependent to each other than them which is not true.
I think you already have strong logical structure to stress your idea, but some corrections in grammar and content will enhance your essay. Good luck!
Kim, Jusung / PSD