When in Korea...

To me, it seems to be difficult to view a different culture without looking at it through the lenses of your own culture. I often have to keep reminding myself that I'm in their country, so who am I to say that the ways are wrong.

Naturally, there are many things that are different here from my own culture, and sometimes it is hard to get used to it. But I think that being exposed to something different from what you're used to is a good experience. It helps to open your eyes to the ways of other people, and you begin to realize that there is no one set way to live. Just because I have always done something a certain way doesn't make it the only right way. Both living in a foreign country and being newly married have taught me that!

When foreigners move to our country, we usually expect them to adapt to our customs. So, the same rule should apply to us as foreigners living in a different country, although I'm sure we fail miserably at it.

In my last post I tried to explain the lack of personal space, but it is difficult to understand without experiencing it firsthand. When I get frustrated with the invasion of my space, it is because I am looking at it through my small-town Canadian eyes. Here, however, at least in my experience, the lack of personal space and the bumping is in no way considered rude or improper. I think it really has a lot to do with the large population and over-crowded cities. But, it is also just part of culture. When someone bumps into you, there is no ill intent. It is simply how things are done.

My last post may have been misleading, because actually many of the people we have encountered are very friendly and helpful (our co-teachers especially). Some have even gone out of their way to guide us through a confusing subway station! And they readily forgive us our cultural blunders, as I'm sure we make many of them.

When it comes to the language barrier, I always feel very humble. I'm in their country, yet I can only speak a few words of their language. The people we see have no reason to accomodate us, but they very obligingly do just that. In stores, many of the salespeople try very hard to communicate to us in English. Some are often embarrassed because they aren't fluent. I just try to tell them not to worry, I can't speak Korean either! With some primitive pointing and grunting, we can usually get the message across to each other.

I hope this helps to explain a little bit more about what some of the people are like, at least through my observations. So, I guess you could say (from a westerner's perspective) that while the people here may give you a nudge, at least they are friendly about it!