Happy New Year

Happy New Year, friends. In Korea, we are all now one year older. Let me explain.

Korean culture is very age-conscious. Both in terms of wanting to appear and seem young(almost no one, male or female, allows their hair to go gray) and in terms of knowing where everyone stands in age with relation to others. This fact is clearly illustrated in language. One speaks differently to a person depending on their status compared to yours; verbs are given different, more respectful endings for those who have a higher status. Often status is dependent on age. It is not uncommon to be asked your age when you meet someone for the first time.

So, for example, my friend Rora who teaches me Korean, has invited me along several times when she has spent time with her friends. Often the second question after I'm asked my name or I introduce myself is "How old are you," or "What year were you born." Someone who is a year, or a few years older than me, if a woman, I might address as 'oenni' or 'older sister'. Someone who is a bit older than that, I might say 'aunt', etc. To those who are younger, and especially children, there is a more informal tone. These addresses relax some as you become closer in relationship. You might tell someone they can drop the formal endings after awhile.

I'm asked what year I was born because everyone born in 1977 is the same age and therefore the same status in terms of address. So now, I'm 35 (sigh) even though in North America I would still be considered 33 until September. And everyone else born in 1977, regardless of when their birthday is, is also 35. You see, my first birthday is the day I'm born; I've had one birthday and I'm one.

Part of the confusion, or disparity in thinking from North America to Korea, I think, is that the language isn't quite used the same way. If I say "I'm 35 years old" I don't use the same word as if I say, "I've worked here for 35 years." It's just a different way of counting. In any case, it's all just numbers, really. When you're a foreigner in Korea you can get away with a lot in bumbling Korean. I mostly use the same verb endings for everyone, although I sometimes drop the polite endings if I'm talking to a kid. No one's called me on it yet. But then, Korean people are nothing if not polite, kind and gracious.

A very happy new year to all.