Cultural Differences... Konglish and "Jeong"

THE WORD 'MAYBE'--

"Maybe" in South Korea has a different meaning than maybe in the United States. In Korea 'maybe' means that there is a high likelihood of whatever the subject is, occuring. It is a way of talking about the future, when there is a high probability of occurance. It is used very frequently here when Koreans use English. "Maybe" prefaces many statements about the future and actions that are in fact expected to happen.

EXAMPLE:
"Maybe you will have no class today." (You don't have class today.) "Maybe you will have English camp during vacation." (You will have winter English camp.) "Maybe some students will be absent from class today." (Some teachers were talking and said they needed some of the students during your class time, so they will not come today.)

... In the US, 'maybe' is used less frequently and with a different feel. It doesn't start a sentence as frequently. It is also used with a much less likely sentiment of occurance. We also use different forms of the word. As I was trying to come up with example sentences from back in the States, I actually had to consult a friend for sentence ideas specifically using "maybe."

EXAMPLE:
"Well, maybe you should try harder next time." (If you try harder next time, you will do better.) "I may be late to the show tonight." (I have a busy schedule today, so it could take me longer to finish up than I expect.) "He said he might come." (There is about a 50/50 chance he will come.) "He said he might come, but I don't think he'll show." (He often says he will come and doesn't, so I assume this will be another one of those times.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


In light of "Jeong," Koreans are expected to feel a sense of love for and obligation to their fellow man and thus when asked to do something by a superior, they will do it. Foreigners however, hover on the periphery of this idea. They are not obligated to say 'yes,' but there is a great pressure to say 'yes' and though, grammatically this sentence appears as a question, it conveys more of a statement with a bit of space for negotiation.

My theory is that this style of speech springs from the Korean philosophy and culture of 'Jeong.' Jeong is complex and I have heard it discribed many times now and there are some threads that have been laced through everyones thoughts: "respect, community, love, forms/levels (family/friends/strangers/etc), obligation, sharing, love for humanity."

When I have witnessed 'Jeong:'
-On public transportation younger people get out of their seats for older people.
-When you have food or drink you offer to share it with the people around you, always.
-When at a restaurant celebrating, people will take shots with their friends even if they don't like drinking so that no one drinks alone.
-People will refill each others drinks and get more side dishes when they are empty.
-People will give you a ride in their car, even if it is out of the way.
-People will give you directions when you are lost and even walk you to you rdestination some times.
-The oldest person is handed food first; the oldest person at the table eats first; the oldest person at the table is served a drink first
-The oldest person in a group pays for meals, drinks, movies, etc. when going out.

These are only a microscopic view of the concept of Jeong. It is everywhere and very powerful. I believe it has created a great sense of community, peace, and compassion for humanity.

---

---