Min Bridges Gap Between Koreans, Americans
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
English may be one of the most important, and widely used, foreign languages in Korea. But without understanding the overall culture and behavioral differences between Koreans and Americans, one cannot say that have truly mastered the language.
In order to bridge the gap, professor and famed English instructor Min Byoung-chul wrote the book ``Ugly Koreans Ugly Americans.'' The book was first published in 1993 and was revised and updated this year.
``The purpose of (the book) is not to blame one side or the other; rather, it is to help both sides view each other in a more open manner by presenting examples of how common behavior by one culture is viewed by another,'' Min wrote in the preface.
The book is divided into two main chapters: Common Korean Behavior and Common American Behavior. The sub-chapters range from ``manners,'' ``dress'' and ``socializing'' to ``on the go.''
Featuring basic, yet important examples in both Korean and English, ``Ugly Koreans Ugly Americans'' will be handy for both Koreans and Americans who need advice when learning about each other's culture and habits.
For example, the book says that Americans find it upsetting or peculiar when Koreans don't hold the door for the person behind them or when they pat a young child on the behind.
Min offers an explanation.
``Most Koreans are not accustomed to (holding the door) if the person behind is a stranger,'' he writes.
As for the patting, Min explains that ``some Koreans, especially women, often touch or pat a total stranger's child. It simply means that they think the child is cute.''
In the second chapter, Min gives examples when Koreans find it strange when Americans carry out a certain deed, such as keeping their hands in their pockets while speaking or writing a person's name in red.
According to the professor, speaking with their hands in their pockets simply indicates a feeling of being at ease, while writing in red does not mean anything disrespectful. In Korea, names are only written in red when a person is deceased.
The book is simple and easy-to-read, perfect for English learners, and obviously those who are looking for a guide that will help them understand Americans better.
``Hopefully, this will enable Koreans and Americans to learn more about each other and minimize their misunderstandings and the deleterious effect of the cultural gap so that both can work and live together more harmoniously,'' Min wrote.
Readers will come to realize what they have been doing and saying wrong, and learn how to mingle with their counterparts without making embarrassing mistakes.
``Of course,'' the professor added, ``this book does not contain all of the different things that Koreans and Americans do or say. If my readers have other examples they would like to point out, please send them to me.''