By Bernard Rowan
Some of the first words I learned in Korean were the expressions typically used to say "hello" and "goodbye." The words "annyeong haseyo," "annyeonghee gaseyo," and "annyeonghee gyeseyo" mean more than their English translations suggest. As with many related words, Hangul opens an understanding of Korean manners or spirit if one looks a bit more closely.
The root word in Korean terms of greeting and leaving is "peace." When one uses the word "annyeong," she or he wishes another person more than recognition. The expression marks more than coming together or parting. The phrase signals a concern for the person's well-being: "Are you at peace?" To my mind, it's something like the word in ancient Greek for happiness, "eudaimonia." That word roughly translates as "Is your spirit well?"
Now when I say it this way, I'm sure many want to find it odd ― at least at first glance. Why does one wish a stranger, potentially, peace? Wiktionary says the root words for "annyeong" are Sino-Korean words meaning?peaceful, tranquil, quiet, repose, serenity and peace. Koreans have the idea of extending a fundamental state of harmony through their act of saying hello.
As well, the phrases to mark a good-bye signal one wishes another peace in their going or staying. Korean speech distinguishes saying good-bye to someone leaving another and someone staying or remaining behind.
Of course, there are other words of greeting, such as the formal "annyeong hashimnika," used in formal settings, or with elders deserving respect. Also commonly used among children or younger friends is the informal "annyeong." There are distinctive words for wishing others a good morning, afternoon, and evening too. I'm anything but fluent in Korean, but I've learned it's safer to use respectful endings and words rather than unintentionally giving offense!
Such Korean terms reflect many value streams, including the Confucian ideal of humanity. It shouldn't surprise one to reflect on a polite term's significance as embodying the core of well-being. This reminds me of a saying, "What's in the end must be in the beginning." Human language should cultivate well-being for oneself and others. Its root values should form part of greeting and saying good-bye in daily life.
The Asian Retrospects webpage on Obangsaek notes the Korean terms point to regard for a sense of interior or overall peace and well-being. It notes the words may have originated from times when people didn't have a sense of daily harmony and rest amid life. It goes on to explain a cosmology of peace and harmony through achieving and preserving balance.
Korea's greetings and goodbyes reflect a humanistic and spiritual basis for everyday living. Although we're not thinking this way in every hello and good-bye, the potential remains. We should cultivate this "muscle memory!" The words have fundamentally good meanings open to an aspiration for common regard always needed in this world.
When in Korea, foreigners may learn much that differs. Communicate well and find peace! Annyeonghee gasaeyo!
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University.
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The root word in Korean terms of greeting and leaving is "peace." When one uses the word "annyeong," she or he wishes another person more than recognition. The expression marks more than coming together or parting. The phrase signals a concern for the person's well-being: "Are you at peace?" To my mind, it's something like the word in ancient Greek for happiness, "eudaimonia." That word roughly translates as "Is your spirit well?"
Now when I say it this way, I'm sure many want to find it odd ― at least at first glance. Why does one wish a stranger, potentially, peace? Wiktionary says the root words for "annyeong" are Sino-Korean words meaning?peaceful, tranquil, quiet, repose, serenity and peace. Koreans have the idea of extending a fundamental state of harmony through their act of saying hello.
As well, the phrases to mark a good-bye signal one wishes another peace in their going or staying. Korean speech distinguishes saying good-bye to someone leaving another and someone staying or remaining behind.
Of course, there are other words of greeting, such as the formal "annyeong hashimnika," used in formal settings, or with elders deserving respect. Also commonly used among children or younger friends is the informal "annyeong." There are distinctive words for wishing others a good morning, afternoon, and evening too. I'm anything but fluent in Korean, but I've learned it's safer to use respectful endings and words rather than unintentionally giving offense!
Such Korean terms reflect many value streams, including the Confucian ideal of humanity. It shouldn't surprise one to reflect on a polite term's significance as embodying the core of well-being. This reminds me of a saying, "What's in the end must be in the beginning." Human language should cultivate well-being for oneself and others. Its root values should form part of greeting and saying good-bye in daily life.
The Asian Retrospects webpage on Obangsaek notes the Korean terms point to regard for a sense of interior or overall peace and well-being. It notes the words may have originated from times when people didn't have a sense of daily harmony and rest amid life. It goes on to explain a cosmology of peace and harmony through achieving and preserving balance.
Korea's greetings and goodbyes reflect a humanistic and spiritual basis for everyday living. Although we're not thinking this way in every hello and good-bye, the potential remains. We should cultivate this "muscle memory!" The words have fundamentally good meanings open to an aspiration for common regard always needed in this world.
When in Korea, foreigners may learn much that differs. Communicate well and find peace! Annyeonghee gasaeyo!
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University.
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